The global push for increased renewable energy in power production is reshaping how industries approach energy systems. As the urgency to combat climate change grows, industries are integrating alternative power pathways alongside existing systems. This shift is driven by factors such as renewable energy adoption, energy storage advances, decentralization, electrification, circular economy principles, regulatory support, sustainability goals, and technological progress. These changes not only yield economic benefits but also enhance environmental and social impact. Integrating alternative pathways necessitates strategic planning, optimization, and a phased approach for seamless integration. Through these transformations, industries position themselves as sustainability leaders, align with climate goals, and ensure long-term energy security. The proposed implementation of a photovoltaic (PV) system at SSAB's steel production plant in Borlänge, specifically for forming line 4's electricity needs, will have a positive impact. This integration introduces renewable energy generation, offsetting the load and reducing reliance on the grid during peak hours, potentially leading to lower costs. It aligns with SSAB's environmental goals by curbing emissions, bolsters energy resilience, and aiding peak demand management. However, challenges in grid integration and infrastructure adjustments must be addressed for successful implementation. Overall, this move embodies SSAB's commitment to sustainability and efficient operations.  Through the utilization of simulation tools such as PVsyst and Homer Pro, an extensive study was conducted to investigate diverse scenarios involving combinations of a PV system, hydrogen modules, batteries, and a grid-connected load. The primary aim was to assess the feasibility of these scenarios within the energy system context. By leveraging PVsyst's capabilities for photovoltaic system analysis and Homer Pro's system optimization features, the study comprehensively examines interactions between electricity generation, storage, and consumption. This simulation-driven approach provided valuable insights into the performance dynamics, energy balance, and economic viability of each configuration, aiding in the informed selection of optimal combinations that align with the project's feasibility objectives. The results obtained suggest that the ideal size for the PV system in this context is 2.7 MW, allowing for an annual energy generation of 2.5 GWh. The electricity output aligns well with the yearly demand of 2.4 GWh for Forming Line 4 The results from different scenarios offer valuable insights into how integrating renewable energy and incorporating energy storage affect the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the system. Each scenario was assessed in comparison to the base case of grid connection, uncovering a spectrum of LCOE values. It is noteworthy that the highest LCOE, reaching 0.12 €/kWh, was observed when all renewable resources were combined, whereas the lowest LCOE, at 0.059 €/kWh, was achieved with the PV system-only configuration.

Many distributed energy resource (DER) systems are remotely located and are often interfaced at low or medium voltage levels through power electronics converters such as voltage-sourced converters (VSC). Therefore, a weak-grid situation is encountered where the voltage and frequency at the point of DER coupling can experience fluctuations. A power converter designed to operate in normal and strong grid conditions may not perform satisfactorily during such weak and distorted grid conditions. Hence, considering the full dynamics of the system during weak-grid conditions in the design of converter control is indispensable to ensure the stability of the DER and the grid. For instance, the phase-locked loop (PLL) has been identified as a critical component of the VSC controller that can compromise the DER performance during weak-grid conditions. This dissertation investigates and enhances the performances of inverters connected to weak and polluted grids. It primarily presents a novel approach of enhancing the inverter current controller by including the PLL state variables among the entire system state and use them to optimally generate the control input for the VSC. This mitigates the loop interactions between the PLL and other control loops resulting in a mitigation of the oscillations that could cause system instabilities. The procedure is accomplished using the recently developed linear model of the enhanced PLL (EPLL) for single-phase applications and using a model of the three-phase PLL developed in this dissertation. Extensive simulation and experimental results are presented to evaluate and validate the proposed control approaches. Full practical models of all system components are considered for simulation studies. The experimental tests are done on a practical inverter connected to the utility grid. Significant improvement of the inverter performance in weak-grid conditions is confirmed. This dissertation offers a systematic way of integrating and designing the PLL and controller in a VSC to achieve a robust performance in weak-grid conditions.

With the rise of inverter-based resources (IBRs) within the power system, the control of grid-connected converters (GCC) has become pertinent due to the fact they interface IBRs to the grid. The conventional method of control for grid-connected converters (GCCs) such as the voltage-sourced converter (VSC) is through a decoupled control loop in the synchronous reference frame. However, this model-based control method is sensitive to parameter changes causing deterioration in controller performance. Data-driven approaches such as machine learning can be utilized to design controllers that are capable of operating GCCs in various system conditions. This work reviews different machine learning applications in power systems as well as the conventional method of controlling a VSC. It explores a deep learning-based control method for a three-phase grid-connected VSC, specifically utilizing a long short-term memory (LSTM) network for robust control. Simulations of a conventional controlled VSC are conducted using Simulink to collect data for training the LSTM-based controller. The LSTM model is built and trained using the Keras and TensorFlow libraries in Python and tested in Simulink. The performance of the LSTM-based controller is evaluated under different case studies and compared to the conventional method of control. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by outperforming the conventional controller and maintaining stability under different system parameter changes. / Master of Science / The desire to minimize the use of fossil fuels and reduce carbon footprints has increased the usage of renewable energies also known as inverter-based resources (IBRs) within the power grid. These resources add a level of complexity to operating the grid due to the fluctuating nature of IBRs and are connected to the power grid through grid-connected converters (GCCs). The control method conventionally used for GCCs is derived by accounting for the system parameters, creating a mathematical model under constant parameters. However, the parameters of the system are susceptible to changes under different operating and environmental conditions. This results in poor performance from the controller under various operating conditions due to its inability to be adaptive to the system. Data-driven approaches such as machine learning are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to capture the dynamics of a system with limited knowledge. The different applications of machine learning within power systems include fault diagnosis, energy management, and cyber security. This work explores the use of utilizing deep learning techniques for a robust approach of controlling GCCs.

The popularity of distributed generating (DG) sources have been increasing over the past few years. With the increasing penetration of these DGs, the concept of micro grid is becoming popular. A micro grid is a small power system network with distributed generating sources which can operate seamlessly irrespective of the presence of the utility grid. Operating the micro grid in this manner increases system reliability and reduces power interruptions. However, it introduces several control challenges. This thesis aims at analysing the behaviour of a micro grid system during the transition between grid connected mode and islanded mode of operation and address the control challenges through novel schemes. With the presence of grid, the micro grid system variables, such as voltage and frequency, are strictly regulated by the grid. The local sources follow the voltage and frequency reference set by the grid and supply constant power. With the loss of grid, that is when the system is islanded, the network variables need to be regulated by the local sources. The control structures for the inverter-based sources during the two operating modes are detailed in the present work. With the loss of grid, the system should be able to transfer seamlessly to islanded mode without any transients. Similarly, when the grid supply is restored, the micro grid should seamlessly resynchronize to the grid without any transients. This thesis proposes two novel controller schemes for achieving seamless transfer between grid-connected and islanded mode in micro grids. The rst scheme uses an output feedback topology to reduce the transitions during mode transfer. The second scheme uses a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) theory based compensator to achieve seamless transfer. The performance of the proposed schemes have been validated through simulations on a benchmark micro grid network for various operating conditions. An experimental micro grid set-up is developed with a single inverter based DG source. The droop control scheme for islanded mode of operation has been validated on hardware.

Neste trabalho, são avaliadas diferentes configurações de sistemas fotovoltaicos, levando em consideração os principais tipos de módulos fotovoltaicos comercialmente disponíveis e estruturas de suporte. A comparação é delimitada na região Nordeste do Brasil e é baseada, fundamentalmente, em termos de fator de capacidade. Para uma melhor compreensão dos resultados, são mostradas, previamente, as influências que as variáveis meteorológicas exercem na saída do sistema, bem como os efeitos do fator de dimensionamento do inversor (FDI) e do índice de cobertura do terreno (ICT). Os resultados das simulações computacionais realizadas são apresentados em forma de mapas, nos quais é possível verificar as áreas em que os sistemas fotovoltaicos tendem a gerar mais energia elétrica. Entre as configurações estudadas, os maiores valores foram observados para sistemas que utilizam módulos genéricos de filmes finos montados em rastreadores solares de um eixo horizontal, chegando a 36 % de fator de capacidade (em corrente alternada) em algumas regiões do Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco e Bahia. Além disso, foram evidenciados os ganhos obtidos nos fatores de capacidade ao substituir as estruturas fixas por rastreadores solares. Para um ICT de 0,4, os sistemas que realizam o seguimento, ainda que em um eixo do movimento aparente do Sol, apresentaram ganhos de 18 % a 28 % na energia elétrica anual gerada. / In this work, different configurations of photovoltaic systems are evaluated, considering the main type of commercially available photovoltaic modules and mounting structures. The comparison is delimited to the Northeastern region of Brazil and is based, fundamentally, in terms of capacity factor. The influence on the output of the system of meteorological variables, the inverter loading ratio (ILR 1/FDI) and ground coverage ratio (GCR ICT) are shown in advance for a better understanding of the results. Computational simulations results are presented in maps, in which it is possible to verify the areas where photovoltaic systems tend to generate more electricity. Among the studied configurations, the largest values were observed for systems that use generic thin film modules mounted on one axis horizontal solar trackers, reaching 36 % of capacity factor (in alternating current) in some regions of Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco and Bahia. Additionally, the gains obtained in the capacity factors when replacing fixed structures by solar trackers were shown. For an GCR of 0.4, systems that track, even on one axis, the apparent motion of the Sun showed gains of 18 % to 28 % on annual generated electricity.

Este trabalho caracteriza a Geração Distribuída de eletricidade, no Brasil, por meio de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos Conectados à Rede (SFCR), a partir de aspectos técnicos, econômicos e regulatórios. O país possui, atualmente, 35 SFCR em operação, totalizando uma potência instalada de 161,32 kWp. A maior parte dessa potência se encontra nas Regiões Sul e Sudeste e foi implementada por universidades, centros de pesquisa e concessionárias de energia elétrica, com uma pequena participação da iniciativa privada. Foi calculado o custo de geração, a partir da energia solar, utilizando-se SFCR, para dezesseis localidades estrategicamente selecionadas. Esse valor varia em função da maior ou menor disponibilidade do recurso solar e da taxa de desconto adotada, tendo sido encontrado o valor médio de US$ 0,56 /kWh, cerca de 2,1 vezes maior que a tarifa residencial média nas mesmas cidades. Argumentando-se que a tarifa convencional tende a crescer nos próximos anos, pressionada pelo descompasso entre oferta e demanda, e que o custo de geração fotovoltaico tende a diminuir, no mesmo período, devido a ganhos de produtividade no processo de fabricação de componentes fotovoltaicos, elaborou-se um modelo matemático para prever o momento em que esses dois indicadores equiparar-se-ão. Verificou-se que o tempo médio de equiparação será de 7 anos, podendo ser menor que 5,0 anos em localidades onde a tarifa é mais cara que a média nacional e a irradiação média anual é superior à verificada no restante do país. Por fim, o trabalho analisa o enquadramento que a legislação faz dos geradores fotovoltaicos interligados à rede pública de distribuição, apontando os pontos favoráveis e os entraves legais à disseminação dos SFCR. / This work characterizes the Distributed Generation of electricity from Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems (GCPS) in Brazil, according to technical, economic and regulatory aspects. The country currently has 35 GCPS in operation, totaling an installed power of 161.32 kWp. Most of this power is in the South and Southeast and has been implemented by universities, research centers and electric power utilities, with a small participation of private initiative. The solar energy generation cost from GCPS was calculated for sixteen strategically selected localities. This value varies varies according to the greater or minor availability of the solar resource and the adopted discounting rate. The average value found was 0.56 US$ /kWh, about 2,1 times bigger than the average residential tariff in the same cities. Arguing that the conventional tariff tends to grow in coming years, pressed by the imbalance between supply and demand, and that the cost of photovoltaic generation tends to decrease over the same period due to productivity gains in the manufacturing process of photovoltaic components, a mathematical model was developed to predict the time that these two indicators will be equal. It was found that the average time of equalization will be 7.0 years and may be less than 5.0 years in locations where the conventional energy is more expensive than the national average and average annual irradiation is higher than that in the rest of the country. Finally, this work presents how the Brazilian legislation deals with the photovoltaic generators connected to the public distribution network, showing the points for and legal obstacles to the dissemination of GCPS.

Submitted by Maicon Juliano Schmidt (maicons) on 2015-07-13T18:32:37Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Miguel Francisco da Silveira.pdf: 1561110 bytes, checksum: dcb1486a17c6616e1fcf6803ce1272ec (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-13T18:32:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Miguel Francisco da Silveira.pdf: 1561110 bytes, checksum: dcb1486a17c6616e1fcf6803ce1272ec (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-01-31 / Milton Valente / UNISINOS - Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos / Muito tem se falado sobre o uso de fontes alternativas de energia e do uso de pequenas fontes em geração distribuída (GD), especialmente com a nova legislação brasileira que agora considera esta possibilidade. O aproveitamento da energia solar vem crescendo ao longo dos últimos anos, tanto através de seu uso como fonte térmica, quanto através da geração fotovoltaica, baseado no baixo impacto ambiental desta fonte de energia. Este trabalho tem por objetivo estudar o impacto da geração distribuída no sistema de distribuição de energia elétrica pelo uso de geradores fotovoltaicos conectados diretamente à rede de distribuição. O estudo é realizado em regime permanente, sob o ponto de vista elétrico, em um alimentador específico, considerando curvas típicas propostas para dias ensolarados e encobertos. Para esta análise foi utilizada uma base de dados de um ano, com dados de irradiância e de temperatura do ar ambiente coletados na cidade de Porto Alegre - RS entre Julho de 2004 e Junho de 2005. Esta base de dados serviu para estabelecer as curvas típicas de geração de um dia ensolarado e de um dia encoberto, através de uma metodologia desenvolvida. Com o uso destas curvas típicas foi definido o padrão de geração fotovoltaica em um dia ensolarado e em um dia encoberto. Após a definição deste padrão de geração foi possível analisar o impacto em um alimentador específico, localizado na cidade de Viamão - RS. A análise do impacto na rede considerou a influência que a geração distribuída ocasiona nos níveis de tensão nos diferentes nós ao longo do alimentador. Foi considerada uma penetração de 20% de GD, em dois diferentes horários para um dia ensolarado e para um dia encoberto. A potência gerada foi normalizada em relação à potência consumida nos diferentes pontos do alimentador. Os impactos observados na rede de distribuição não foram relevantes, entretanto a geração fotovoltaica contribuiu levemente para a melhora em alguns níveis de tensão que estavam na faixa crítica, em alguns cenários analisados. / Alternative sources of energy and distributed generation (DG) are current subjects, especially in Brazil where the regulations had just changed and now the possibility of DG and compensation of energy can be considered. The use of solar energy has been increased along the last years, thus as a heat source or as photovoltaic (PV) generation, based mainly on the low environmental impact of this energy source. This essay aims to study the impact of distributed generation in the electrical energy distribution system caused by the use of photovoltaic generators connected straight to the distribution grid. The study is done in steady state condition, in a specific feeder, considering typical curves proposed for sunny and cloudy days. A data base of irradiance and temperature of air ambient of one year had been used for this analysis. The data had been collected in the city of Porto Alegre – RS – Brazil, from July 2004 to June 2005. This data base was used to establish the generation typical curves of sunny and cloudy days through a methodology developed. The photovoltaic generation standards for sunny and cloud days had been defined by the use of these typical curves. With these standards were possible to analysis the impact in a specific feeder, located in the city of Viamão – RS – Brazil. The analysis of the impact in the grid considered the influence of distributed generation could cause on voltage levels at different bars along the feeder. It had been considered a penetration of DG of 20%, in two different hourly times for each day, sunny and cloudy typical curves. The power generated had been normalized related to the power consumed in different points of the feeder. The impact observed in the distribution grid is not relevant. However, the distribution generation did contribute to slightly raise some voltage levels that are already among the critical zone, in some of the sets analysed.

Inversores de sistemas fotovoltaicos são equipamentos de eletrônica de potência que fornecem energia elétrica em corrente alternada (CA) a partir de uma fonte de energia elétrica em corrente contínua (CC), no caso, os módulos fotovoltaicos. Estes inversores quando em operação aumentam sua temperatura. Este aumento de temperatura é indesejável, porém é inerente ao seu funcionamento. Equipamentos eletrônicos possuem um limite seguro de temperatura de operação, acima do qual podem ocorrer instabilidades de operação, redução da vida útil ou até mesmo falha drástica. O conhecimento da eficiência de conversão elétrica e das perdas responsáveis pelo aquecimento é importante para o adequado dimensionamento de inversores quando aplicados em sistemas fotovoltaicos conectados à rede, assim como para o desenvolvimento do inversor como produto. Para proteção, para aumento da vida útil, para maior confiabilidade, para maior estabilidade e para maior segurança de operação de componentes, inversores possuem rotinas em seus algoritmos de controle com estratégias automatizadas dedicadas ao gerenciamento térmico. Estas rotinas de proteção e gerenciamento térmico, sempre quando acionadas, tendem a reduzir a capacidade de conversão de potência do inversor, seja pelo acionamento de um ventilador auxiliar, seja pelo deslocamento do ponto de operação em máxima potência. Fabricantes de inversores tratam deste assunto pelo termo “temperature derating” (em inglês) Esta tese apresenta um estudo relacionado a influência da temperatura sobre o desempenho de inversores fotovoltaicos conectados à rede. Avalia tipos de estratégias de gerenciamento térmico e proteção de uso corrente em inversores comerciais. Apresenta resultados de ensaios experimentais para determinação de parâmetros térmicos característicos dos inversores. Descreve um modelo preditivo da temperatura de operação em regime transiente. A partir da determinação experimental de parâmetros térmicos, o modelo preditivo de temperatura de operação foi implementado no software de simulação dinâmica para dimensionamento e avaliação de sistemas fotovoltaicos FVCONECT, desenvolvido no LABSOL/UFRGS, estando o mesmo apto para simular a operação e estimar perdas anuais de desempenho energético decorrentes das rotinas de gerenciamento térmico, dos seus efeitos e das limitações impostas durante a operação de inversores fotovoltaicos conectados à rede. Um dos resultados da simulação é a evolução da temperatura do inversor, permitindo avaliar a frequência e amplitude dos ciclos térmicos ao qual o inversor é submetido e, consequentemente, determinar uma estimativa para durabilidade do inversor. / Photovoltaic inverters are electronic power devices that provide electrical energy in alternating current (AC) from a source of electrical energy in direct current (DC) - a photovoltaic generator, in this case. Inverters increase their temperature when in operation. This rise in temperature is not desirable, but inherent to its operation. Any electronic equipment has a safe operating temperature limit. When this limit is surpassed, operating instability, life reduction or even drastic failure may occur. The knowledge of the electrical conversion efficiency and the losses responsible for the heating is important for the proper sizing of grid-tie inverters in photovoltaic systems, as well as for the development of the inverter as a product. In order to increase the useful life of the device and its components, for greater reliability, safety, stability and security of operation, inverters have routines in their algorithms of control with automated strategies dedicated to the thermal management. These protection and thermal management routines, whenever activated, tend to reduce the power conversion capacity of the inverter, either by the activation of an auxiliary fan or by the displacement of the operating point at maximum power. Inverter manufacturers address this issue by the term "temperature derating". This thesis presents a methodology to evaluate the influence of the performance of different strategies to avoid excessive temperature of the inverter components on its performance and durability It is also made an evaluation of different thermal management strategies and protection used in commercial inverters. Results of experimental tests for determination of thermal parameters characteristic of the inverters are presented. A predictive model of transient operating inverter temperature is also described. From the experimental determination of thermal parameters, the predictive model of operating temperature was implemented to the FVCONECT, a dynamic simulation software for sizing and evaluation of photovoltaic systems developed in LABSOL / UFRGS. With this modification, the software was able to simulate the operation and estimate losses of energy due to the thermal management routines, their effects and the limitations imposed during the operation of grid-tie inverters. One of the results of the simulation is the evolution of the inverter temperature, allowing to evaluate the frequency and amplitude of thermal cycles to which the inverter is subjected and, as a consequence, an estimate of durability of the inverter.

Neste trabalho, são avaliadas diferentes configurações de sistemas fotovoltaicos, levando em consideração os principais tipos de módulos fotovoltaicos comercialmente disponíveis e estruturas de suporte. A comparação é delimitada na região Nordeste do Brasil e é baseada, fundamentalmente, em termos de fator de capacidade. Para uma melhor compreensão dos resultados, são mostradas, previamente, as influências que as variáveis meteorológicas exercem na saída do sistema, bem como os efeitos do fator de dimensionamento do inversor (FDI) e do índice de cobertura do terreno (ICT). Os resultados das simulações computacionais realizadas são apresentados em forma de mapas, nos quais é possível verificar as áreas em que os sistemas fotovoltaicos tendem a gerar mais energia elétrica. Entre as configurações estudadas, os maiores valores foram observados para sistemas que utilizam módulos genéricos de filmes finos montados em rastreadores solares de um eixo horizontal, chegando a 36 % de fator de capacidade (em corrente alternada) em algumas regiões do Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco e Bahia. Além disso, foram evidenciados os ganhos obtidos nos fatores de capacidade ao substituir as estruturas fixas por rastreadores solares. Para um ICT de 0,4, os sistemas que realizam o seguimento, ainda que em um eixo do movimento aparente do Sol, apresentaram ganhos de 18 % a 28 % na energia elétrica anual gerada. / In this work, different configurations of photovoltaic systems are evaluated, considering the main type of commercially available photovoltaic modules and mounting structures. The comparison is delimited to the Northeastern region of Brazil and is based, fundamentally, in terms of capacity factor. The influence on the output of the system of meteorological variables, the inverter loading ratio (ILR 1/FDI) and ground coverage ratio (GCR ICT) are shown in advance for a better understanding of the results. Computational simulations results are presented in maps, in which it is possible to verify the areas where photovoltaic systems tend to generate more electricity. Among the studied configurations, the largest values were observed for systems that use generic thin film modules mounted on one axis horizontal solar trackers, reaching 36 % of capacity factor (in alternating current) in some regions of Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco and Bahia. Additionally, the gains obtained in the capacity factors when replacing fixed structures by solar trackers were shown. For an GCR of 0.4, systems that track, even on one axis, the apparent motion of the Sun showed gains of 18 % to 28 % on annual generated electricity.

No Brasil, quando uma unidade consumidora (UC) sob regime de microgeração ou de minigeração distribuída tem parte ou a totalidade da sua demanda por potência ativa suprida pela planta geradora, mas sua demanda por potência reativa é atendida exclusivamente pela rede elétrica, verifica-se uma aparente deterioração do fator de potência dessa UC, sob a ótica da concessionária. Esse efeito decorre do fato de que o fator de potência, de acordo com a regulamentação vigente, é determinado apenas a partir das medições dos fluxos de potência ativa e reativa trocados entre a UC e a rede elétrica e não também entre a planta geradora e UC. Para consumidores do Grupo A (tensão de fornecimento igual ou superior a 2,3 kV) nessa situação, de acordo com o perfil da carga, pode haver cobrança por excedentes de reativos, constituindo-se assim uma barreira. Especificamente no caso de sistemas fotovoltaicos conectados à rede, existe a possibilidade de se utilizar os próprios inversores c.c.-c.a para suprir a demanda de reativos da UC e, dessa forma, minimizar o problema apresentado. Com o objetivo de se avaliar essa alternativa no contexto brasileiro, tendo-se em vista condições reais de operação e os limites normativos de injeção de potência reativa para inversores de sistemas fotovoltaicos, foi realizado um estudo de caso de uma planta fotovoltaica instalada no telhado do prédio da Administração do Instituto de Energia e Ambiente da Universidade de São Paulo. O estudo mostrou que a compensação realizada por meio do inversor selecionado evitou a cobrança de excedentes de reativos sem afetar de forma significativa a produtividade do sistema fotovoltaico. Do ponto de vista elétrico, verificou-se que a injeção de reativos pelo inversor não provocou variações significativas de tensão no ponto de acoplamento ou no alimentador e, ainda, se verificou considerável liberação de capacidade do sistema supridor da concessionária. Dessa forma, a análise dos resultados indica uma tendência a se considerar a compensação de reativos proporcionada pelo próprio inversor a opção mais viável para se lidar com os excedentes de reativos, comparativamente a métodos convencionais de compensação ou à situação em que nenhuma ação compensatória seja implementada. / In Brazil, when a consumer unit (CU) under a distributed microgeneration or minigeneration scheme has part or all of its demand for active power supplied by the generating plant, but its demand for reactive power is served exclusively by the grid, the power factor of this CU appears deteriorated, from the perspective of the utility. This effect is due to the fact the power factor, according to the current regulations, is determined only from measurements of the flows of active and reactive power exchanged between the UC and the grid and not also between the generating plant and UC. Users of group A (supply voltage equal to or greater than 2.3 kV) in this situation, according to the CU load profile, may be charged due the reactive power excess, thus constituting a barrier. Specifically in the case of grid-connected photovoltaic systems, there is the possibility of using the d.c.- a.c. inverters to suply the CU reactive power demand and, thus, minimizing the presented problem. In order to evaluate this alternative in the Brazilian context, keeping in view real operating conditions and regulatory limits for the reactive power injection for photovoltaic inverters, we conducted a case study with a photovoltaic plant installed on the roof of the University of São Paulo Institute for Energy and Environment administration building. The study showed that the compensation performed by the selected inverter prevented the reactive power excess charging without affecting significantly the photovoltaic system productivity. From an electrical point of view, it was found that the injection of reactive power by the inverter did not cause significant voltage variations at the coupling point or at the transformer and, additionally, there was a significant release in the utility suply system capacity. Thus, the analysis results indicates a tendency to consider the compensation provided by the inverter itself the most viable option for dealing with the surplus of reactive power compared to conventional compensation methods or to the situation in which no compensatory action is implemented.