The UK's Strategic PV Network Study
The aim of the Strategic PV Network Study was to identify the actions necessary to prepare electricity distribution networks for the possible large-scale connection of dispersed photovoltaic systems. The study methodology included an examination of a series of possible future scenarios for the large-scale uptake of photovoltaic power systems connected to the UK's low voltage electricity distribution network. The objective is to assess the impact that these scenarios could have on the electricity network.
The main technical areas of concern included:
- network voltage control
- power quality (including harmonics, power factor and flicker)
- safety and protection (including islanding)
Other areas of concern include:
- connection agreements with PV generators
- implications on distribution price control (i.e. distribution use-of-system (DUoS) charges)
- the impact on infrastructure costs
- the effects of renewable energy systems with unsecure, variable generation characteristics (e.g. effects on spinning reserve and unloading of conventional plant)
- the value of the energy from PV to the integrated system
As part of the Strategic PV Network Study a series of PV roll-out scenarios have been developed which forms the basis of the network impact modelling work. In addition, a risk analysis methodology was been developed which aims to quantify the risk of islanding associated with high levels of PV penetration.
The Phase 1 Report of the Study can be downloaded here.