Investigation of the use of batteries for voltage regulation in distribution systems with high penetration of photovoltaic generation

Abstract

Several benefits are associated with the use of energy storage systems in electric power distribution networks. Although high cost and technological challenges have been an obstacle for spreading the use of these devices, currently it is expected these barriers to be overcome. In 2015, for example, the City Group elected energy storage systems as one of the ten key-technology investments. This group also estimates that the batteries global market will correspond to $400 billion in 2030. With the evolution of storage technologies and the increased use of renewable energy sources, the Boston Consulting Group forecasts that in 2020 the market of energy storage systems will reach E10 billion/year. Among the benefits associated with the use of energy storage systems, such as batteries, one can emphasize the solution of voltage regulation problems in power distribution systems with high penetration of photovoltaic solar generators. In general, these problems are associated with the intermittence of solar energy and can limit the hosting capacity of distribution networks to photovoltaic generators, which have clear advantages from environmental point-of-view. In this context, this project proposes to investigate the use of batteries to solve the main problems resulted from the increase in penetration level of photovoltaic generators in electric power distribution systems: (a) short-term voltage regulation; and (b) long-term (steady state) voltage regulation. These studies will rely on time-series load flow simulations to evaluate the performance of solutions based on batteries' active power support. (AU)