Model validation and coordinated operation of a photovoltaic array and a diesel power plant for distributed generation

The tendency in the industrialized countries to significantly improve the contribution of distributed generation in the existing electrical networks poses new technical and economical challenges to power system control and management. Coordination of distributed resources for the control of active power is addressed in this paper. The models of two typical distributed electrical sources-a photovoltaic array (PV) and a diesel-driven generation plant (DPP)-are first individually derived and examined. Successively these models have been adapted in view of their reciprocal integration into an existing distribution network. A coordinated management of the two distributed sources is suggested in order to fully exploit the PV renewable energy from the Sun. A suitable regulator is derived from secondary control structures typical of large electrical systems by using a power signal exchanged between the two sources. Other possible consequences of this approach are presented with reference to a competitive electric market.