Assessment of Capacitor Banks Control Practices in Distribution Systems with High PV Penetration

Author(s)

Cunha, Vinicius C. ; Andrade, Jose ; Ricciardi, Tiago R. ; Trindade, Fernanda C. L. ; Freitas, Walmir ; Rosolen, Rafael A. G. ; Vilibor, Heliton O. ; IEEE

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: 2020 IEEE POWER & ENERGY SOCIETY GENERAL MEETING (PESGM); v. N/A, p. 5-pg., 2020-01-01.

Abstract

This work evaluates the impact of photovoltaic (PV) generation on the operation of switched capacitor banks for an entire utility. The major concern of the utility refers to a possible increase in the number of switching operations, which must not surpass four operations per day. In the simulations, the PV generators considered range from small units installed at low voltage (LV) systems to large units installed at medium voltage (MV) systems. More than 760 switched capacitor banks are assessed, where only the banks controlled by current and power factor experienced problems with the number of switching. The proposed solution for these cases is to update their control mode to reactive power, which, according to the simulation results, respects the imposed limit for all banks considering scenarios of high PV penetration. Therefore, such change in the control philosophy represents a plausible solution to counteract the effects of PV penetration increase. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/10476-3 - Integration of new methods into distribution management systems in the presence of distributed energy resources and smart meters
• Grantee: Vinicius Carnelossi da Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 16/08645-9 - Interdisciplinary research activities in electric smart grids
• Grantee: João Bosco Ribeiro do Val
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/24448-6 - Holistic Optimal Allocation of Fast Charging Electric Vehicles Stations
• Grantee: José Carlos Garcia Andrade
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate