Field verification and data analysis of high PV penetration impacts on distribution systems

This paper describes a methodology for field evaluation of large PV system impacts on distribution systems based on data collected from several phasor measurement devices deployed on two distribution feeders. The method utilizes a series of performance indicators and pattern trending approaches to process large amounts of granular data gathered from fielded data acquisition instruments (1 second GPS time-synchronized phasor measurements). A summary of key observations and findings from data analysis approach and field verified effects are provided in the paper to explain key operational concerns and future design challenges. The approach mainly focuses on analysis of voltage and current profiles of distribution feeders at primary feeder level (e.g. 12 kV) for various daily and seasonal conditions to identify and evaluate events with adverse power quality impacts. Event categories are proposed and used to classify types of events based on the level of severity in the range or rate of voltage or frequency variations. The proposed approach was proven to be very effective to investigate field issues and to capture events.