Power factor control of PV generators in local distribution networks using fuzzy logic concept

Abstract

One of the most important operational requirements for any electrical power network for both distribution and transmission level is voltage control. Many studies have been carried out to improve or develop new voltage control techniques to facilitate safe connection of distributed generation. In Saudi Arabia, due to environmental, economic and development perspectives, a wide integration of photovoltaic (PV) genera-tion in distribution network is expected in the near future. This development in the network may cause voltage regulation problems due to the interaction with the existing conventional control system. In a previous paper, a control system has been described using a fuzzy logic control to set the on-line tap changer for the primary substation. In this paper a new control system is proposed for controlling the power factor of individual PV invertors based on observed correlation between net active and reactive power at each connection. A fuzzy logic control has been designed to alter the power factor for the remote invertors from the secondary substation to keep the feeder voltage within the permissible limits. In order to confirm the validity of the proposed method, simulations are carried out for a realistic distribution network with real data for load and solar radiation. Results showing the performance of the new control method are presented and discussed.