2024 Capability Portfolio Digital | Page 133

Clean Energy Capability Portfolio | Grid Transformation

Facilitating Network

Integration of
Distributed Solar PV

Addressing the characterisation of photovoltaic ( PV ) generation variability to help network operators appropriately plan for high distributed PV penetration . A method for estimating the amount a low-voltage feeder can accommodate without exceeding upper voltage limits has been developed , as well as methods to manage distribution voltage levels . Whilst the electricity grid can accommodate distributed PV generation , at higher penetration levels , we address two key impacts – voltage variability and voltage rise – contributing to the successful technical integration of distributed PV generation .

Competitive Advantage

• Comprehensive characterisation to describe the behaviour of PV generation variability throughout the day and year
• Creation of a simple and efficient method for estimating the level of PV generation a low-voltage feeder can accommodate , without exceeding upper voltage limits
• Expertise in methods for integrating PV systems , controllable loads and other devices , such as electrical storage , to manage distribution voltage levels

Impact

• Simple and efficient methods for estimating maximum distributed generation capacity of a feeder that doesn ’ t require new communication infrastructure – shown to be more efficient and equitable than similar current proposed methods
• A tool in which network and microgrid operators can quickly and easily determine approximate values of maximum PV generation for their distribution feeders

Capabilities and Facilities

• Software tools to expedite analysis of feeder capability
• Real-time digital simulation facilities to verify models

Our Collaborators

• Australian PV Institute ( APVI )
• Endeavour Energy
• Australian Renewable Energy Agency ( ARENA )

More Information

Professor John Fletcher
School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
T : + 61 2 9385 6007
E : john . fletcher @ unsw . edu . au
Associate Professor Georgios Konstantinou
• An original distributed voltage control method using residential PV systems and controllable loads to ensure upper / lower voltage levels are maintained within regulation limits
Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
UNSW Real-Time Digital Simulation ( RTS ) Laboratory
T : + 61 2 9385 7405
E : g . konstantinou @ unsw . edu . au

Successful Applications

• Feeder modelling for distribution operators
Dr Felipe Arraño-Vargas
School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
UNSW Real-Time Digital Simulation ( RTS ) Laboratory
T : + 61 2 9385 4000
E : f . arranovargas @ unsw . edu . au

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