Abstract:
The increase and fluctuation of diesel generation is of a major concern in Somaliland as it is almost the sole electricity source, annual diesel price increase of 24% brings the idea of moving from this generation to a more secure and reliable one. With a location that is rich in different renewable energy source, integration of Solar PV with existing diesel grids is a main goal now in the country. The integration of solar PV to the existing system has its impacts on steady state stability of the system and without proper precautions taken, can violate the allowable nominal voltage ranges of the existing system. In this study the steady state voltage stability of the system is studied after integration of PV’s to the Low voltage distribution grid. The two 15kV busbars near the end user was selected for the integration of the PV, the study approaches the impacts of PV’s to the existing system in steps of penetrations of 20%, 40%, and 60% of day time peak demand, and with the aid of DIgSILENT Powerfactory software the response of the grid to the new integration is studied. The study revealed integration of PV’s caused the improvement of HEC (Hargeisa Electric power) grid voltage level, profile, decrease in voltage drop and losses. In addition the study shows integration causes reduction of line loading and losses of the two 15kV lines in day time when maximum production of PV’s are available. Different capacity can be integrated in each of the two buses avoiding the stage of reversing of PV’s power to the grid and increase of line loading and line losses. In Bus 1 we have maximum integration of 490 kW that can be added to it, while in Bus 2, 720 kW maximum can be integrated to it. Next voltage rise mitigation techniques was applied to the PV system by giving the PV’s inverter a power factor set point exploiting inverter reactive power capabilities and comparison of Integration without reactive power control and with reactive control of PV’s was compared. The results show the overall improvement of bus voltages of the entire grid better with reactive power control and increase of the capacity of integration.