Research Article
Economic Evaluation of PV Generation Curtailment and Voltage Regulation Investment in Distribution Networks with High PV Penetration
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-030-45694-8_13, author={Juan Bunagan and Ryan Gonzales and Michael Pedrasa}, title={Economic Evaluation of PV Generation Curtailment and Voltage Regulation Investment in Distribution Networks with High PV Penetration}, proceedings={Sustainable Energy for Smart Cities. First EAI International Conference, SESC 2019, Braga, Portugal, December 4--6, 2019, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={SESC}, year={2020}, month={6}, keywords={Photovoltaics Renewable generation Distribution networks Voltage regulators Curtailment}, doi={10.1007/978-3-030-45694-8_13} }- Juan Bunagan
Ryan Gonzales
Michael Pedrasa
Year: 2020
Economic Evaluation of PV Generation Curtailment and Voltage Regulation Investment in Distribution Networks with High PV Penetration
SESC
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45694-8_13
Abstract
The continuing increase of photovoltaic (PV) generation in distribution systems comes with difficulties in keeping voltages within acceptable limits, especially during peak generation. Two conventional alternatives exist to solve these overvoltage issues: to install voltage regulation equipment (AVR) or curtail PV generation, but there is no existing procedure to aid distribution system operators (DSO) in choosing either solution from an economical perspective. This project presents a methodology to evaluate the two aforementioned alternatives. The equivalent annual cost of installing automatic voltage regulator systems in the network was compared to the annual compensation awarded to curtailed PV generator owners. Several case studies were explored and show that in some situations, curtailment can be more cost-effective depending on the curtailment compensation scheme used, amount of PV penetration, location of PV in the network, and demand profiles. Additionally, the researchers explored the economic viability of using curtailment in conjunction with existing AVR installations instead of installing additional AVRs.