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PV Integration into Distribution Networks in Saudi Arabia

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posted on 2012-09-28, 13:41 authored by Raed Abdulrahman Shalwala
One of the most important operational requirements for any electrical power network for both distribution and transmission level is voltage control. Many studies have been carried out to improve or develop new voltage control techniques to facilitate safe connection of distributed generation. In Saudi Arabia, due to environmental, economic and development perspectives a wide integration of photovoltaic (PV) generation is expected in the near future. This development in the networks may cause voltage regulation problems due to the interface with the existing conventional control system. Therefore, this work determines the impact of linking PV directly with the grid to find the level of penetration that can be achieved without any technical changes in the distribution network. Then, the effect of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (GCPV) systems on the voltage regulation in residential networks has been investigated. This thesis introduces a new voltage control scheme for residential area networks in Saudi Arabia based on Fuzzy Logic concept (FL). The structure of two implementations of FL control to regulate the voltage by setting the on-load tap changing transformer in the primary substation is proposed. Finally, another approach for solving the feeder voltage regulation problem at a local level is presented with the goal of fulfilling the plug-and-play feature desired by manufacturers and regulatory bodies. Also, this technique use the FL concept to set up the operating power factor for the inverter used to connect the PV generator. In order to confirm the validity of the proposed methods, simulations using PVSYST, ETAP and MATLAB/Simulink softwares have been carried out for a realistic distribution network with real data for load and solar radiation. Results showing the performance of each scheme are presented in detail, and demonstrate that each scheme is capable of keeping the voltage levels within statutory limits, both in steady-state and under dynamic condition.

History

Supervisor(s)

Bleijs, Johannes; Lefley, Paul

Date of award

2012-08-01

Awarding institution

University of Leicester

Qualification level

  • Doctoral

Qualification name

  • PhD

Language

en

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