Preventing overvoltages in PV grids by integration of small storage capacity

Abstract

The rapidly growing amount of distributed generation in low voltage distribution grids issues some undesired side effects. Simultaneous power injection may cause a serious voltage rise along the feeder. These overvoltages may not only damage critical loads but also switch off PV inverters causing loss of green energy at the most productive moments. This paper discusses the origin and different possibilities to limit this induced voltage rise. The option of introducing local energy buffering is further elaborated. The relation between buffer size and overvoltage reduction is presented for a typical Belgian residential distribution feeder. The influence of buffers along the feeder is calculated by working with synthetic load profiles and solar irradiation data.