Operability satisfaction of energy systems with nuclear power plants at different photovoltaic penetration levels

Abstract

Power output of photovoltaic (PV) generation can vary periodically and irregularly, depending on weather conditions. At high PV penetration levels this peculiarity of the technology can not only cause voltage and power flow fluctuations in local distribution grids, but also violate demand-supply balance of a whole energy system, resulting into issues with frequency control and difficulty of demand supply management. This study deals with the PV integration from the total energy system view point, based on the PV generation forecasting, power system operation and power system augmentation. It is primarily focused on demand and supply balancing of an energy system, assuming a significant share of nuclear power plants (NPPs), as well as thermal power plants (TPPs), and a strong transmission system. The main gaps in current PV technology and electric energy systems are identified and an operational strategy for a successful integration of PV installations into an energy system has been developed.

Power output of photovoltaic (PV) generation can vary periodically and irregularly, depending on weather conditions. At high PV penetration levels this peculiarity of the technology can not only cause voltage and power flow fluctuations in local distribution grids, but also violate demand-supply balance of a whole energy system, resulting into issues with frequency control and difficulty of demand supply management. This study deals with the PV integration from the total energy system view point, based on the PV generation forecasting, power system operation and power system augmentation. It is primarily focused on demand and supply balancing of an energy system, assuming a significant share of nuclear power plants (NPPs), as well as thermal power plants (TPPs), and a strong transmission system. The main gaps in current PV technology and electric energy systems are identified and an operational strategy for a successful integration of PV installations into an energy system has been developed.