PV penetration in non-interconnected island grids

摘要

Increasing PV power penetration gives rise to issues related with the local distribution network hosting capacity (voltage regulation, power quality, protection etc.). In the case of isolated island grids, additional concerns emerge regarding the effect of PVs on the operation of the overall power system, particularly at the generation level. Such issues include the scheduling and dispatch of conventional generating units, the adequacy of operating reserves, the level of instantaneous RES power penetration reached during operation (when PV power is compounded with the already high wind power on the islands) and the effect on wind power station performance (increase of power curtailments and reduction of capacity factor). Within this context, a proper planning is necessary on behalf of the regulator and the island system operator, concerning the acceptable PV penetration levels in the saturated systems of non-interconnected islands.rnThis paper deals with the impact of increasing PV penetration levels on the operation of island power systems, focusing on energy and economic results, rather than on technical issues related to transient behavior and stability of the systems, protection and control implications etc. Specifically, the impact on the operation of conventional units and wind farms is quantified and the effect on several related factors and indices is evaluated. For this purpose, annual simulations of the operation of island systems are performed using suitable load, wind and solar potential time series. As a study case, Aegean Sea islands are used of different sizes and characteristics.