Optimal Frequency Regulation Support from PV Power Plants in a Renewable Incorporated Grid

The increased penetration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into conventional grids affects the frequency stability of such grids substantially. Instead of depending on expensive external storage systems to address the stability concern, PV systems can take part in frequency regulation via the deloading mechanism. However, an optimal level of deloading is crucial to avoid excessive economic burden while still maintaining adequate frequency stability. To that end, this research proposes a novel methodology for finding the optimal deloading percentage of deloaded PV systems. This approach utilizes the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, which is subjected to various frequency parameters and generation constraints. In a customized IEEE 39 Bus New England system, the method is implemented on different levels of PV integration cases. All of the simulations are performed in a DIgSILENT PowerFactory-Python cooperation. The findings demonstrate that the optimized deloaded PV systems can provide adequate assistance in enhancing the grid's frequency response after a generation contingency. As a result, the grid's under frequency load shedding (UFLS) scheme is not activated. Furthermore, optimized deloaded PV performs better in every case as compared to another supporting system, the synchronous condenser (SC). This research will assist grid planners in ensuring stable grid operation (frequency perspective) by utilizing optimum deloaded PV support.