Simulation of solar subdivision addresses utility questions about integration of solar photovoltaics
The feasibility of a proposed 100-house subdivision in which each house will have a solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system to supply part of its electric power is examined from the standpoint of the electric utility to which the systems will be connected. Problems of harmonic distortion and reactive power consumption caused by the line commutated inverters that convert the PV cells' dc output to ac are investigated. Experimental study of a demonstration home was done and the results of this study were used in a computer simulation of the entire subdivision. The computer simulation indicated that this particular subdivision should be acceptable to the utility as proposed. However, changes may be needed in the utility's capacitor switching practices, because the capacitors on the distribution feeder can significantly amplify the harmonic distortion produced by the inverters. While the numerical results of this study apply only to the proposed subdivision, there are general results applicable to many situations where harmonic sources are present on a distribution system.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- OSTI ID:
- 6402040
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-830454-2; ON: DE83012094
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Solar-- (1989-)
BUILDINGS
CAPACITORS
COMMUNITIES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENERGY LOSSES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
HARMONICS
HOUSES
INTERCONNECTED POWER SYSTEMS
INVERTERS
LOSSES
OSCILLATIONS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
PLANNED COMMUNITIES
POWER LOSSES
POWER SUPPLIES
POWER SYSTEMS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SIMULATION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT