The renewable energy revolution is here, and solar energy or photovoltaic (PV) systems are at the helm in pioneering this surge. With the continuous growth they are demonstrating globally, they could be tantamount to our leap into a sustainable future. I want to take a few moments to discuss a recent report which suggests that we should consider a noteworthy paradigm shift in the integration of distributed PV systems into the grid.
The majority of people not on this side of the industry might see the entire solar setup as merely installing solar panels for your home of buying an out-of-the-box solar array for home from the myriad of solar companies. However, it’s a complex system, with variables such as the low capacity factor of PV systems posing challenges to the grid infrastructure. Traditionally, grid infrastructure planning focused on power peaks, however, the report is urging for an overhaul towards energy-centric grid sizing.
Enter Active Power Management (APM); the report emphasized that APM, or curtailment in some circles, could be the solution for approaching the issues associated with the low capacity factor of PV systems. By adopting APM, the dynamic power flow from decentralized assets to the grid is actively managed to ensure it falls within operational limits. In layman’s terms, APM is a proactive control mechanism that shapes power flow and relieves the grid from high power peaks, thereby potentially enhancing the overall value of Pv-generated energy.
However, APM and PV power curtailment serves as a necessity, not an everywhere-all-the-time solution, because there are scenarios where it can be particularly effective. For instance, when it comes to local and distribution system constraints, reinforcing the grid connection is often more costly than curtailed energy, making PV curtailment a more pragmatic solution. Additionally, APM can address stability issues during times of excess generation and low demand.
The biggest advantage of Active Power Management is its potential to enhance grid stability. Consider this, of all electricity sources, PV systems have the lowest capacity factor. Consequently, to achieve our sustainable energy goals, we need many PV systems connected to the grid, and limiting power peaks can reduce stress on the power grid. Contrary to traditional grid systems that struggle with the rapid power output fluctuations of PV systems, APM handles this problem by actively managing power in and out of the grid, thus ensuring a stable environment even during high variability periods.
The report pertinently notes that any energy loss through curtailment should be minimized. To achieve this, it’s crucial to adopt a synergetic approach to grid management, combining APM with complementary measures such as upgrading physical infrastructure to increase the power capacity of the grid, as well as integrating energy storage solutions like batteries which can serve as buffers to capture excess energy during high solar generation periods and release it during peak demand.
Solar companies need not lose sight of the fact that while we continue to make strides with PV technology, it’s equally critical to consider innovative strategies for its integration. In this regard, the report calls for a proactive stance to match the evolving energy landscape. Particularly for distributed PV systems where generation is closer to consumption points, identifying and implementing strong APM strategies is essential.
Consequently, any solar company worth their salt should aim for more than just helping you acquire solar panels for your home or a viable solar array for home. A comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem, which includes elements such as Active Power management, should be the way forward in the foreseeable future of the solar industry. With this, we seize the golden opportunity to transform potential challenges into invaluable assets for a robust and efficient energy future.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/02/09/optimizing-photovoltaic-grid-integration-through-active-power-management/
