Impact on Voltage Stability
- Voltage Regulation Challenges: PV systems lack the traditional voltage regulation capabilities of synchronous generators, which can lead to overvoltage issues, especially when reactive power support is constrained.
- Converter Capacity Limitations: As PV penetration increases, the voltage at the point of connection may initially be well-regulated due to reactive current injection. However, when the converter capacity is exhausted, voltage can drop dramatically, leading to reduced voltage stability margins.
- System Susceptibility: High penetration of renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, increases the grid’s susceptibility to sudden changes in generation or load. This can trigger voltage stability issues.
Regional Variability
- ERCOT System (Austin Area): Studies in the ERCOT system have shown that increasing PV penetration results in smaller voltage stability margins. For example, with up to 65% PV penetration and an additional 15% wind power, the system reaches an 80% renewable energy penetration level, which significantly affects voltage stability.
- General Trends: The impact of renewable energy integration on voltage stability varies by region based on factors like grid infrastructure, renewable energy mix, and local load patterns.
Factors Influencing Voltage Stability
- Reactive Power Support: Availability and management of reactive power are crucial for maintaining voltage stability in grids with high renewable penetration.
- Grid Flexibility: Enhancing grid flexibility through advanced control systems and storage solutions can help mitigate voltage stability issues caused by variable renewable energy outputs.
In summary, high penetration levels of renewable energy sources like PV require careful planning and management to ensure grid stability, particularly through effective voltage and reactive power control strategies.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-penetration-level-of-renewable-energy-impact-voltage-stability-in-different-regions/
