Extension of Distribution Transformer Life in the Presence of Smart Inverter-based Distributed Solar Photovoltaic Systems

A transformer is an essential but expensive power delivery equipment for a distribution utility.In many distribution utilities worldwide,a sizable percentage of transformers are near the end of their designed life.At the same time,distribution utilities are adopting smart inverter-based distributed solar photovoltaic(SPV)systems to maximize renewable generation.The central objective of this paper is to propose a methodology to quantify the effect of smart inverter-based distributed SPV systems on the aging of distribution transformers.The proposed method is first tested on a modified IEEE-123 node distribution feeder.After that,the procedure is applied to a practical distribution system,i.e.,the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT)Roorkee campus,India.The transformer aging models,alongside advanced control functionalities of grid-tied smart inverter-based SPV systems,are implemented in MATLAB.The open-source simulation tool(OpenDSS)is used to model distribution networks.To analyze effectiveness of various inverter functionalities,time-series simulations are performed using exponential load models,considering daily load curves from multiple seasons,load types,current harmonics,etc.Findings show replacing a traditional inverter with a smart inverter-based SPV system can enable local reactive power generation and may extend the life of a distribution transformer.Simulation results demonstrate,simply by incorporating smart inverter-based SPV systems,transformer aging is reduced by 15%to 22%in comparison to SPV systems operating with traditional inverters.

Energy Savings Estimation of a Distribution System in Presence of Intelligent Volt-VAr Control Based on IEEE Std.1547-2018

In the present scenario,many solar photovoltaic(SPV)systems have been installed in the distribution network,most of them are operating at the unity power factor,which does not provide any reactive power support.In future distribution grids,there will be significant advances in operating strategies of SPV systems with the introduction of smart inverter functions.The new IEEE Std.1547-2018 incorporates dynamic Volt/VAr control(VVC)for smart inverters.These smart inverters can inject or absorb reactive power and maintain voltages at points of common coupling(PCCs)based on local voltage measurements.With multiple inverter-interfaced SPV systems connected to the grid,it becomes a necessary task to develop local,distributed or hybrid VVC algorithms for maximization of energy savings.This paper aims to estimate substation energy savings through centralized and decentralized control of inverters of SPV system alongside various VVC devices.Control strategies of each SPV inverter have been accomplished in compliance with IEEE Std.1547-2018.Time-series simulations are carried out on the modified IEEE-123 node test system.By utilizing smart inverters in traditional SPV systems,considerable energy savings can be obtained.These savings can be further increased by incorporating optimal intelligent VVC characteristics(IVVCC).Results show that just by allowing smart inverters on a predefined IVVCC(as per IEEE Std.1547-2018),a reduction of 11.69%in reactive demand and 5.63%in active demand have been acquired when compared with a conventional SPV system.Reactive energy demand is additionally reduced to 48.42%by considering centralized control of VVC devices alongside optimal IVVCC.