Study of Impact of Cloud Distribution on Multiple Interconnected Solar PV Plants Generation and System Strength

摘要

Dependence of solar power generation on solar irradiance results in sudden and dramatic variations in power generation following significant changes in cloud distribution over a solar PV plant. Currently, this phenomenon is being one of the most challenging issues in resource planning and maintaining the reliability of modern power grids with high penetration of solar power. The dramatic variation of solar power generation has a direct impact on system strength at the Points of Interconnection (POIs). Hence, the power quality of the system is compromised, especially because solar PV plants are usually interconnected to distribution systems and near load zones. In this paper, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based approach is developed to forecast the clouds distribution for the estimation of sudden and dramatic variations in the solar irradiance. This estimate is used to evaluate the system strength in terms of voltage stability at each POI. We apply newly developed methodology to measure the system strength known as Site-Dependent Short Circuit Ratio (SDSCR), which provides more accurate results of system strength evaluation. The validity and effectiveness of the developed approach is confirmed through comparing its results versus the cloud distribution data provided by weather satellites.