Photovoltaic power plant as FACTS devices in multi-feeder systems

Ahmed Moawwad, Vinod Khadkikar, James L. Kirtley

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper illustrates possible configurations for a large-scale photovoltaic power plant (PV), to operate as a FACTS (flexible AC transmission system) device in addition to operating as a source of renewable power generation. The inverters in PV plant are reconfigured in such a way that two or more distribution networks/feeders are interconnected. This newly developed system where inverter modules are connected in back to back is addressed as Interline-PV (I-PV) system. Based on the inverter reconfiguration, three distinct topologies can be realized, namely, (i) Shunt I-PV, (ii) Series I-PV and (iii) Shunt-Series I-PV. These configurations enable the PV power plant to operate through two adjacent power system networks/feeders. The proposed configurations of PV system can act as Inter Line Power Flow controller (IPFC), Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), or Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC). The new configurations expand the role of PV plant to regulate the network/feeder voltages, support active and reactive powers and enhance the overall dynamic performance of both the feeders. This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of each of the I-PV systems. A simulation study is done to illustrate some of the benefits offered by I-PV systems.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publicationProceedings
Subtitle of host publicationIECON 2011 - 37th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society
Pages918-923
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event37th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, IECON 2011 - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Duration: 7 Nov 201110 Nov 2011

Publication series

NameIECON Proceedings (Industrial Electronics Conference)

Conference

Conference37th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, IECON 2011
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityMelbourne, VIC
Period7/11/1110/11/11

Keywords

  • active and reactive power control
  • Flexible AC transmission system (FACTS)
  • interline power system
  • photovoltaic power generation and control
  • power management
  • voltage regulation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Photovoltaic power plant as FACTS devices in multi-feeder systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this