This thesis presents methods for voltage management in distribution systems with high photovoltaic (PV) power production. The high PV penetration leads to both new challenges such as voltage profile violation and reverse power flow, and also new opportunities. Traditionally, the voltage control in the distribution network is achieved by common devices in the networks such as capacitor banks, static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs) and on-load tap changers (OLTCs). This thesis has considered existing reactive power capable solar PV inverters together with STATCOMs to provide voltage support for the distribution network. In this thesis, two effective coordination methods using the STATCOM and PV inverters are developed in order to study their interaction and how they together can stabilize the voltage level. Data from existing low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) networks are used for a case study. The first control method is developed for LV network’s voltage control by means of PV inverter and STATCOM. The second control method is developed for both LV and MV networks’ voltage control, where reactive power control in PV inverters and STATCOMs are used in the LV network and only STATCOMs in the MV network. The control methods follow a hierarchical structure where reactive power compensation using PV inverters are prioritized. The STATCOMs, first in the LV and thereafter in the MV network in the second control method, are used only when the PV inverters are not able to provide or consume enough reactive power. This is beneficial due to the significant reduction in numbers of STATCOMs and their operation. The simulation results indicate that the proposed method is able to control both the over- and undervoltage situations for the test distribution networks. It is also shown that reactive power supply at night by the PV inverters can be an important resource for effective voltage regulation by using the proposed coordinated voltage control method.

This thesis is focused on voltage regulation in low voltage distribution system. It describes power management methods using photovoltaic inverters. The thesis describes the working PQ space of the inverter and the regulation characteristics of the active and reactive power in dependence on the voltage. The practical part focuses on the simulation of specific PQU control settings on the test models created in PSCAD. The model is used as a basis for real measurement. Outputs obtained from measurement and simulation are validated in the text. The last part of the thesis identifies limits for connecting resources with and without support.

Electrical distribution networks face many operational challenges as various renewable distributed generation (DG), such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind, become part of their structure. Unlike conventional distribution systems, where the only unpredictable aspect is the load level, the intermittent nature of DG poses additional uncertainty levels for distribution system operators (DSO). The voltage quality problem considers the most restrictive issue that hinders high DG integration into distribution grids. Voltage deviates from the nominal grid voltage limits due to the excess power from the DG. DSOs are accustomed to improving the voltage profile by optimal adjustments of the on-load tap changers, voltage regulator taps and capacitor banks. Nevertheless, due to the frequent variability of the output energy from DG, these devices may fail in doing the needful. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) and smart PV inverter functionalities are regarded as promising solutions to promote the seamless integration of renewable resources into distribution networks. BESS are utilized to store the surplus energy during the high penetration of renewable DG that causes high voltage levels and discharge the stored energy when the distribution grid is heavily loaded, which leads to the low voltage levels. Smart PV inverters regulate the network voltage by controlling the reactive power injection or absorption at the inverter end. This dissertation proposes a management strategy that coordinates BESS and smart PV inverter reactive power capability to improve voltage quality in the distribution systems with high PV and wind penetrations. The proposed management method is based on a bi-level optimization algorithm consisting of upper and lower optimization levels. The proposed method determines the optimal location, capacity, numbers and BESS charging and discharging rates to support the distribution system voltage and to ensure optimal deployment of BESS. Case studies are conducted to evaluate the proposed voltage control method. The large size PV system and wind turbine impacts are studied and simulated on the modified IEEE-34 bus test feeder. In addition, the proposed method is applied to the modified IEEE low voltage test feeder to investigate the effectiveness of installing residential rooftop PV systems on the distribution system's voltage. Experimental results show promising outcomes of the proposed method in controlling the distribution networks' voltage. In addition, a day-ahead forecast of PV power output is developed in this dissertation to assist the DSOs to accurately predict the future amounts of PV energy available and reinforcing the decision-making process of batteries operation. Hybrid forecasting models are proposed based on machine learning algorithms, which utilize support vector regression and backpropagation neural network, optimized with three metaheuristic optimization algorithms, namely Social Spider Optimization (SSO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Cuckoo Search Optimization (CSO). These algorithms are used to improve the predictive efficacy of the selected algorithms, where the optimal selection of their hyperparameters and architectures plays a significant role in yielding precise forecasting outcomes. / Doctor of Philosophy / The need for more renewable energy has grown significantly, and many countries are embracing these technologies. However, the integration of distributed generation (DG), such as PV systems and wind turbines, poses several operational problems to the distribution system. The voltage problem represents the most significant issue that needs to be addressed. The traditional voltage control equipment may not cope with the rapid fluctuation and may impact their service life. The continuous developments in the battery energy storage systems (BESS) and the smart PV inverter technologies result in increasing the hosting capacity of DG. BESS can store the excess power from the distributed generators and supply this energy to the grid for different operational objectives. On the other hand, the advanced PV inverter's reactive power capability can be exploited from which the grid can attain many benefits. This dissertation aims at providing a reliable control method to the voltage profile in distribution networks embedded with high PV and wind energy by optimal coordination between the operation of the BESS and the smart PV inverter. In addition, the solar forecasting can mitigate the uncertainty associated with PV system generation. In this dissertation, the PV power forecasting application is applied in the distribution system to control the voltage. Through utilizing PV power forecasting, the decision-making for battery operation can be upheld and reinforced. The BESS can store the surplus energy from the PV system as needed and supply it back in low PV power incidents. Experimental results indicate that proper coordination between the BESS and smart PV inverter is beneficial for distribution system operation that can seamlessly integrate PV and wind energy.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de medições e simulações de fluxo harmônico na Usina Solar Fotovoltaica do Estádio Mineirão em Belo Horizonte/MG. O objetivo foi verificar o comportamento dos inversores solares fotovoltaicos na geração de harmônicos e a atenuação ocorrida pela agregação de múltiplos inversores. Para isso, foram realizadas medições em seis pontos estratégicos da usina investigada, por meio de analisadores de qualidade de energia, o que possibilitou a verificação do comportamento da usina em horários distintos e condições climáticas diversas. Foi avaliada a injeção de harmônicos no sistema elétrico pelos inversores e comparados os valores com os limites previstos em normas, procedimentos e recomendações vigentes. Além disso, o modelo completo da usina foi desenvolvido e simulado utilizando os softwares OpenDSS, ANAH e PowerFactory para análise harmônica e sua validação com os dados de medição. Os resultados obtidos indicam boa conformidade das medições e adequações dos modelos desenvolvidos. / This work presents a study of harmonic measurements and flow simulations in Photovoltaic Solar Plant of the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte/MG. The objective was to verify the behavior of photovoltaic solar inverters in the generation of harmonics and the attenuation occurred by the aggregation of multiple inverters. For this, measurements were performed on six strategic points of the investigated plant through power quality analyzers, allowing the verification of the plant's behavior at different times and different climates. It was evaluated the injection of harmonics in the electrical system for inverters and compared the values with the limits laid down in standards, procedures and current recommendations. In addition, the complete model of the plant was developed and simulated using the OpenDSS, ANAH and PowerFactory softwares to harmonic analysis and its validation with the data measurement data. The results indicate good agreement between measurement and developed models.