The value of grid-support photovoltaics in reducing distribution system losses
- 1 January 1995
- journal article
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion
- Vol. 10 (3), 569-576
- https://doi.org/10.1109/60.464884
Abstract
Strategically sited grid-support photovoltaic (PV) power applications have been proposed to provide value (cost savings) to electric utilities experiencing transmission and distribution system overloads. These applications can potentially defer transformer and transmission line upgrades, extend equipment maintenance intervals, reduce electrical line losses, and improve distribution system reliability. This research presents and tests a method to calculate the reduction in distribution system electrical line losses. It also describes how to optimize plant size, plant location along a distribution feeder, and load transfer from an adjacent feeder. Results at Pacific Gas and Electric Company indicate that a 0.50 MW PV power plant at Kerman, California, has $37,000 in energy loss savings value over the plant's life with additional value due to capacity loss savings. These results are site specific.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Enhancing transformer dynamic rating through grid application of photovoltaic arraysPublished by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) ,2002
- Economic determination of optimal plant design for photovoltaics in the utility distribution systemPublished by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) ,2002
- Photovoltaics in the utility distribution system: The evaluation of system and distributed benefitsPublished by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) ,2002