Photovoltaics in the utility distribution system: The evaluation of system and distributed benefits

Author

Shugar, Daniel S.

Author_Institution

Pacific Gas & Electr. Co., San Ramon, CA, USA

fYear

1990

fDate

21-25 May 1990

Firstpage

836

Abstract

Results of work undertaken at the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to quantify the potential benefits of distributed grid-connected photovoltaic generation are presented. Methodologies and evaluations used to examine potential benefits of distributed generation for a test case are described. Results indicate there can be significant distributed benefits in carefully chosen transmission and distribution systems. It is concluded that these benefits could enable PV generation to be a potentially cost-effective alternative for utility planning. and thereby stimulate utility demand for PV systems. Specifically, it is demonstrated that PV power plants can relieve thermal overloads in selected utility distribution systems. Other benefits of strategically located PV systems are electrical loss savings, voltage support, and higher reliability

Keywords

distribution networks; losses; photovoltaic power systems; Pacific Gas and Electric Company; distributed generation; distribution systems; electrical loss savings; grid-connected photovoltaic generation; transmission systems; utility distribution system; Costs; Distributed control; Distributed power generation; Environmental economics; Photovoltaic cells; Power generation economics; Substations; Testing; Thermal conductivity; Transformers;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 1990., Conference Record of the Twenty First IEEE

Conference_Location

Kissimmee, FL

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/PVSC.1990.111739

Filename

111739