Smart inverter operation in distribution networks with high penetration of photovoltaic systems

With the growing number and capacity of photovoltaic (PV) installations connected to distribution networks, power quality issues related to voltage regulation are becoming relevant problems for power distribution companies and for PV owners. In many countries, like Italy, this has required the revision of the standards concerning the connection to the public distribution network of distributed renewable generation. The new standards require a flexible operation of generation plants that have to be capable to change the active and reactive power dynamically in function of the network parameters (i.e. frequency and network local voltage) in local control or following external commands. Therefore, this paper investigates the use of smart inverter in a critical PV installation, where relevant voltage fluctuations exist. A case study, with real network parameters monitoring data and measurements, is discussed in the paper with the aim of showing how ‘smart’ features of new inverters can be implemented to increase PV plant integration in low voltage distribution networks.