The impact of reactive power generation in PV systems on their yearly production of electrical energy

Abstract

Abstract.The paper deals with photovoltaic (PV) systems able to generate reactive power and to curtail active power generation. Based on measurements performed on an existing PV system over 10 years its typical yearly operation profile is determined. It is used to evaluate the ability of the PV system to generate reactive power. After that the efficiency characteristic of a micro-inverter is determined experimentally. It is described as a function of generated active and reactive powers. This function is afterwards used in an optimization procedure, where measured time dependent load and power generation profiles are applied to determine optimal reactive power generation in PV systems installed in an existing low voltage network. Based on calculations performed over one year, the impact of reactive power generation on yearly production of electrical energy in PV systems is evaluated.

Photovoltaic systems and yearly net self-sufficient electricity supply in distribution networks

“…Solely the evaluation of solar and photovoltaic potential [1,2] is insufficient for installation of a PV system. At least the environmental impacts, the electric grid configuration and load profiles should be evaluated and considered together with the economic assessment [3][4][5][6][7]. This paper deals with distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems equipped with inverters, capable of accepting reference values for the reactive power generation and active power curtailment.…”

Utilization of Active Distribution Network Elements for Optimization of a Distribution Network Operation

“…Micro-inverters of photovoltaic (PV) systems result in greater network operation flexibility through optimal reactive power generation. However, the inverter's efficiency characteristics should be taken into account, as they are dependent on the amount of reactive power generated [31].…”