Renewable Energy Sources, Power Quality, Distributed Generation, PV Systems, Network Analyzer
Abstract
Currently, incentives for electrical energy production from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are growing significantly due to the scarcity of fossil fuels, which are still widely used. At the same time, Distributed Generation (DG) units employing RES have gained momentum recently with tax reductions and the electricity price increase. However, the rise in the number of systems connected to low-voltage distribution networks has severely impacted the energy quality in distribution systems. Most DG systems use Photovoltaic (PV) systems as a source, due to their low cost, installation ease, and maintenance. In this work, the effects on the quality of electrical energy in the electrical installations of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) resulting from the connection of a 175 kW PV generation to the low-voltage distribution network are examined. The evaluation is based on indicators obtained experimentally using the HIOKI PW3198 network analyzer, including frequency, voltage and current harmonics, phase imbalances, overvoltage/undervoltage, power factor and voltage fluctuation. These indicators are evaluated by comparing them with the limits established by the standards: the national standard recommended by Module 8 of PRODIST and the international standards recommended by IEEE and IEC.
