Facilitating higher photovoltaic penetration in residential distribution networks using demand side management and active voltage control

Abstract

Future power networks are certain to have high penetrations of renewable distributed generation such as photovoltaics (PV). At times of high PV generation and low customer demand (e.g., summer), network voltage is likely to rise beyond limits mandated by grid codes resulting in a curtailment of PV generation, unless appropriate control means are used. This leads to a reduction in energy yield and consequently reduces the economic viability of PV systems. This work focuses on scenario-based impact assessments underpinned by a net prosumer load forecasting framework as part of power system planning to aid sustainable energy policymaking. Based on use-case scenarios, the efficacy of smart grid solutions demand side management (DSM) and Active Voltage Control in maximizing PV energy yield and therefore revenue returns for prosumers and avoided costs for distribution networks between a developed country (the UK) and developing country (India) is analyzed. The results showed that while DSM could be a preferred means because of its potential for deployment via holistic demand response schemes for India and similar developing nations, technically the combination of the weaker low voltage network with significantly higher solar resource meant that it is not effective in preventing PV energy curtailment. K E Y W O R D Sactive voltage control, demand side management, distributed generation, energy yield curtailment INTRODUCTIONThe decarbonisation of the energy network has created higher demand for electricity over oil and coal. Some of the electrical power network assets such as transformers and switchgear assets were installed as early as the 1950s and are still in use today. 1 For example, the UK's National Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2016-2021 identifies that "much of the existing infrastructure which has served us well is now old" and that "major investment is required to accommodate new generation and replace aging assets". However, there is also a greater focus now on lowering the cost of deliveringThis is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

A Study of Grid-Connected Residential PV-Battery Systems in Mongolia

“…Electricity utilities adopt DSM as a technique to regulate demand by motivating consumers to adjust their electricity consumption level and pattern. Gobind Pillai et al [12] showed that even though DSM could be a preferred method due to its potential for deployment through comprehensive demand response initiatives in countries, technically it is not effective in avoiding PV energy curtailment because of a weaker low-voltage network with higher solar resources. Distribution system operation (DSO) ensures the stability of the grid and power quality at a low voltage level.…”

Energy Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities — The Polish Case

“…Again, that is analysed from the perspective of the globe or of a region [Tol 2000;Baker 2021;Knuth 2021], separate states [Tanaka et al 2017;Williams et al 2021] as well as locally [Kennedy, Stock 2021]. Another important area of analysis for my deliberations here is the network cost of RES, which is represented in a large number of publications [Mai et al 2012;Mai et al 2013;D'haeseleer 2013;Fraunhofer 2015;ARE 2016;Al Matin et al 2019;Burger et al 2019b;Karkour et al 2020;Pillai et al 2021;Falvo et al 2021;Veronese et al 2021;Yang et al 2022]. This literature review will be continued in the series of next articles that I plan, first by adding country-specific debates in articles covering transformation experiences of selected developed countries and by the Polish literature on the various possible scenarios for the future of the Polish energy mix, that I plan in the last article of the series.…”