The value of grid-support photovoltaics in reducing distribution system losses

Journal Article · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/60.464884· OSTI ID:147935

Hoff, T ^[1]; Shugar, D S ^[2]

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1. Pacific Energy Group, Walnut Creek, CA (United States)
2. Pacific Gas and Electric Co., San Ramon, CA (United States)

Strategically sited grid-support photovoltaic (PV) applications have been proposed to provide value (cost savings) to electric utilities experiencing transmission an distribution (T and D) system overloads. These applications can potentially defer transformer and transmission line upgrades, extend equipment maintenance intervals, reduce electrical line losses,and improve distribution system reliability. This research presents and tests a method to calculate the reduction in distribution system electrical line losses. It also describes how to optimize plant size, plant location along a distribution feeder, and load transfer from an adjacent feeder. Results at Pacific Gas and Electric Company indicate that a 0.50 MW PV plant at Kerman, California, has $37,000 in energy loss savings value over the plant`s life with additional valued due to capacity loss savings. These results are site specific.

• OSTI ID: 147935
• Report Number(s): CONF-950103--
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 10; ISSN 0885-8969; ISSN ITCNE4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
AUGMENTATION
CALCULATION METHODS
CAPACITY
LINE LOSSES
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS