Analysis of varying PV penetration level on harmonic content of active distribution system with a utility scale grid integrated solar farm

ABSTRACT The tremendous growth in photovoltaic installation around the world poses several power quality concerns. One of the major concerns is a harmonic injection into the grid whose extent depends on the level of PV penetration. Harmonic injections beyond certain limits introduce some negative effects such as malfunctioning of protective devices, reducing power system reliability. Therefore, its analysis is one of the most important aspects for the safe and reliable operation of the modern distribution system. For this, analysis of harmonic behaviour at PCC under different PV penetration levels is carried out to establish the relationship between them. Several measurements have been taken at PCC with varying PV penetration in a 3 MW ground-mounted solar PV plant at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. These measurements include harmonic components of voltage and current by using a fluke II power quality analyser, and the results are compared with the limits imposed by the standards.