Power quality impact of grid-connected photovoltaic generation system in distribution networks

Abstract

In recent decades, the presence of photovoltaic (PV) systems is increased to provide power for local or remote loads. However, when a large PV system connects to the distribution network under variable weather conditions, it may cause severe problems for power system components. This paper presents a dynamic power quality analysis on a grid-connected PV system in a distribution system subjected to different weather conditions. A 1.8 MW grid-connected PV system in a radial 16 bus test system is modelled and simulated under varying solar irradiations using the Matlab/Simulink software. The simulation results proved that the presence of high penetrated grid-connected PV systems can cause power quality problems such as voltage rise, voltage flicker and power factor reduction.