Minimization of Power Losses through Optimal Integration of Photovoltaic System on Medium Voltage Transmission Line

Abstract

Renewable energy sources are increasingly important considering global efforts to achieve sustainable development and to make the transmission to low-carbon energy systems. It is proposed that photovoltaic systems be integrated into microgrids connected to medium voltage transmission lines as one approach to addressing energy shortages. This study explores the potential benefits, challenges, and technical aspects of this in South Africa, a country heavily dependent on fossil fuels for power generation. Coal-fired plants account for 77% of South Africa’s electricity generation. This paper investigates how losses in the medium voltage transmission line integrated with the PV system can be minimized by making sure that the network complies to the Grid Code. The uncoordinated integration of renewable energy sources and storage systems may pose technical, economic, and operational challenges. Therefore, it is mandatory for all Independent Power Producers (IPP) to comply with the minimum technical and design grid connection requirements specified in the South African Energy Grid Code (SAGC). In this research paper, DigSilent Power Factory is used to obtain the behavior of the integrated Grid and PV network during different scenarios. The results obtained show that the use of parallel medium voltage transmission lines can minimize power losses.