Mitigating the impacts of photovoltaics on the power system

Abstract

Integrating photovoltaic generation plants into electric power systems can impact grid stability, power quality, and the direction of power flow. To minimize such impacts, this paper proposes a simple and practical solution that uses high speed control and radio communications to quickly reduce the output of the entire plant to match local loads and limit the amount of power flowing toward the closest substation. The paper discusses how the proposed curtailment algorithm can minimize the impacts on the power system, installed equipment, and protective relays while taking into account system parameters such as availability, latency, security, and dependability.