Power Quality Impact of Photovoltaic Systems on Residential Distribution Networks

• Author / Creator

  Shi, Qingxin

• The rapid proliferation of distributed photovoltaic (PV) panels results in some power quality concerns of residential distributed networks. Therefore a thorough study is highly needed on evaluating the severity of such concerns, which includes the harmonic distortion and the voltage rise.
  In order to study the power quality impact, the fundamental and harmonic models are proposed to represent the detailed power electronics circuit of the PV inverter. The model is verified by a simulation study and a lab experiment. Based on the model, the thesis investigates how serious the harmonic impacts become when multiple PV inverters are integrated to the residential distribution network. In particular, the harmonic resonance concern caused by the PV inverter filter is analyzed.
  In addition, a Monte Carlo simulation platform has been developed for studying the low voltage networks. The platform incorporates the behavior and electrical models of the PV inverter and residential loads. It can support several power-quality-related studies in regard to residential distribution networks.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Photovoltaic
  • Distribution systems
  • Power quality

• Graduation date

  Fall 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R33M4H

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.