Optimal PV curtailment using OPF with transmission-network constraints considering locations of PV systems

The power outputs of photovoltaic (PV) generation systems depend on the weather, and cannot be controlled as in conventional generators. Thus, PV curtailment will occasionally be required in future power systems that contain extremely large integrations of PV generation. The curtailed power is determined to maintain the supply-demand balance in the entire power system. However, a technique to curtail the powers of many PV systems located in different areas has not been discussed yet. In this study, we propose and evaluate a PV-curtailment method that uses an optimal power flow (OPF) with the transmission-network constraints, which considers the locations of all PV systems. Simulation results show that the PV systems selected for curtailment and the amount of power to be curtailed have a significant impact on the total curtailed PV energy and total transmission loss.