Sizing & Allocation of PV Units inDistribution Systems

[摘要] The thesis focuses on allocation and sizing of PV units targeting the minimization of total cost ofelectricity purchase from the grid taking in consideration the capital cost of the units. The PV sizingand allocation problem is formulated as a mixed integer non linear programming (MINLP) problemwhere the objective is to supply local loads and if excess generation is available, the PV systemwould sell electricity back to the grid. The study is performed on the 13 bus radial feeder. Theallocation and sizing problem of PV units is performed following two approaches. In the firstapproach, the problem is studied under demand-supply balance; while in the second approach, theproblem is investigated under AC power balance.Since claims about PV units’ payback time exist in practice, this thesis considers a different strategybased on which it would calculate the PV units payback time. It considers the capacity factor of PVunits that represents a percentage of PV output power depending on the availability of solar radiation.The proposed problem formulation in this work can become a good tool for both utility andcustomers. For utilities, the model proposed can provide an insight on the price of electricity thatshould be paid for green PV energy. From a customer’s perspective, the proposed model can providethe customer with a more accurate estimate of the PV payback time since the model takes intoaccount the variability in PV as well as the fact that not all PV generation will be exported to the gridat a given moment. It would set the prices at which the customer would sell electricity to the grid atcertain age of PV units and would investigate the PV operation period at which the system wouldconsider their availability to be an advantage at the current PV electricity selling price as available inthe market.Finally, the model presented in the study can be adapted to fit any region in the world taking intoaccount two major factors, the electricity market price in the area and the capacity factor of PV units.

[发布机构] University of Waterloo

[关键词] Electrical and Computer Engineering