Search

Medium-voltage (MV) distribution networks that are spread through larger territory and threatened by extreme weather conditions are sometimes formed by very long underground cable lines. In such circumstances, a significant amount of capacitive reactive power flow can be generated. If, concurrently, there is low power demand in the network, it can result in significant reverse reactive power flows and voltage rise issues. This paper proposes a general approach for analyzing and mitigating voltage rise issues and demonstrates it using an example of a real distribution network that operates under the described conditions. Previous studies that dealt with this problem did not include the allocation of multiple shunt reactors in a larger distribution network, modeling a high number of lines that create reverse reactive power flows, and modeling the main distribution transformers, which are the locations where voltage rise predominantly occurs. In this paper, we demonstrate that precise allocation and placement of multiple shunt reactors in a fully modeled, larger distribution system, including transformer models, can reduce reverse reactive power flows, thereby improving voltage in the distribution system. If hourly control of the power factor from the distributed generation unit is also implemented, the voltage can be further improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we focus on the degradation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) in proton-exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) induced by different accelerated stress tests (ASTs), including constant-current mode, square-wave mode, and solar photovoltaic mode. In constant-current mode, at continuous testing for 600 h at 80 °C, a degradation of operating voltage increased by the enhanced current density from 22 µV/h (1 A/cm2) to 50 µV/h (3 A/cm2). In square-wave mode, we found that in the narrow fluctuation range (1–2 A/cm2), the shorter step time (2 s) generates a higher degradation rate of operating voltage, but in the wide fluctuation range (1–3 A/cm2), the longer step time (22 s) induces a faster operating voltage rise. In the solar photovoltaic mode, we used a simulation of 11 h sunshine duration containing multiple constant-current and square-wave modes, which is closest to the actual application environment. Over 1400 h ASTs, the solar photovoltaic mode lead to the most serious voltage rise of 87.7 µV/h. These results are beneficial to understanding the durability of the PEM electrolyzer and optimizing the components of MEAs, such as catalysts, membranes, and gas diffusion layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium-voltage (MV) distribution networks that are spread through larger territory and threatened by extreme weather conditions are sometimes formed by very long underground cable lines. In such circumstances, a significant amount of capacitive reactive power flow can be generated. If, concurrently, there is low power demand in the network, it can result in significant reverse reactive power flows and voltage rise issues. This paper proposes a general approach for analyzing and mitigating voltage rise issues and demonstrates it using an example of a real distribution network that operates under the described conditions. Previous studies that dealt with this problem did not include the allocation of multiple shunt reactors in a larger distribution network, modeling a high number of lines that create reverse reactive power flows, and modeling the main distribution transformers, which are the locations where voltage rise predominantly occurs. In this paper, we demonstrate that precise allocation and placement of multiple shunt reactors in a fully modeled, larger distribution system, including transformer models, can reduce reverse reactive power flows, thereby improving voltage in the distribution system. If hourly control of the power factor from the distributed generation unit is also implemented, the voltage can be further improved.

Recent years have seen a rapid uptake in distributed energy resources (DER). Such technologies pose a number of challenges to network operators, which ultimately can limit the amount of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that can be connected to a network. The objective of this industry-based research was to determine the potential network effects of forecast levels of customer-owned rooftop solar PV on Energy Queensland's distribution network and formulate functions that can be used to determine such effects without the requirement for detailed network modeling and analysis. In this research, many of Energy Queensland's distribution feeders were modeled using DIgSILENT PowerFactory and analyzed with forecast levels of solar PV and customer load. Python scripts were used to automate this process, and quasi-dynamic simulation (QDSL) models were used to represent the dynamic volt–watt and volt–var response of inverters, as mandated by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4777. In analyzing the results, linear relationships were revealed between the number of PV systems on a feeder and various network characteristics. Regression was used to form trend equations that represent the linear relationships for each scenario analyzed. The trend equations provide a way of approximating network characteristics for other feeders under various levels of customer-owned rooftop solar PV without the need for detailed modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen a rapid uptake in distributed energy resources (DER). Such technologies pose a number of challenges to network operators, which ultimately can limit the amount of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that can be connected to a network. The objective of this industry-based research was to determine the potential network effects of forecast levels of customer-owned rooftop solar PV on Energy Queensland’s distribution network and formulate functions that can be used to determine such effects without the requirement for detailed network modeling and analysis. In this research, many of Energy Queensland’s distribution feeders were modeled using DIgSILENT PowerFactory and analyzed with forecast levels of solar PV and customer load. Python scripts were used to automate this process, and quasi-dynamic simulation (QDSL) models were used to represent the dynamic volt–watt and volt–var response of inverters, as mandated by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4777. In analyzing the results, linear relationships were revealed between the number of PV systems on a feeder and various network characteristics. Regression was used to form trend equations that represent the linear relationships for each scenario analyzed. The trend equations provide a way of approximating network characteristics for other feeders under various levels of customer-owned rooftop solar PV without the need for detailed modeling.

This paper presents the details of exhaustive investigations on a typical Saudi distribution network showing the effectiveness of various control techniques to mitigate the voltage rise issues due to high penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. One of the major goals of Saudi Arabia future economic plans is to expand on renewable energy installations throughout the Kingdom. It is planned to generate 9.5 GW of electric power from renewable energy sources by 2023. Further, energy regulators in the Kingdom have announced policies and regulations govern the integration of small- and large-scale solar PV. However, distributed solar PV systems come with technical challenges, especially during high level of integration including grid stability, voltage rise, flickering, frequency fluctuation, and protection and coordination schemes. One issue is that the voltage profile is expected to change and rise to unacceptable level, especially with high solar PV penetration. Various voltage rise mitigation techniques investigated include active power curtailment, reactive power injection, and also a hybrid combination of these two methods. The paper reports the results of both steady-state and dynamic analyses of the Saudi distribution network at various load levels. The investigations reveal that the hybrid approach is more effective in the voltage rise mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable Distributed Generation (RDG), when connected to a Distribution Network (DN), suffers from power quality issues because of the distorted currents drawn from the loads connected to the network over generation of active power injection at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). This research paper presents the voltage rise regulation strategy at the PCC to enhance power quality and continuous operation of RDG, such as Photovoltaic Arrays (PVAs) connected to a DN. If the PCC voltage is not regulated, the penetration levels of the renewable energy integration to a DN will be limited or may be ultimately disconnected in the case of a voltage rise issue. The network is maintained in both unity power factor and voltage regulation mode, depending on the condition of the voltage fluctuation occurrences at the PCC. The research investigation shows that variation in the consumer’s loads (reduction) causes an increase in the power generated from the PVA, resulting in an increase in the grid current amplitude, reduction in the voltage of the feeder impedance and an increase in the phase voltage amplitude at the PCC. When the system is undergoing unity power factor mode, PCC voltage amplitude tends to rises with the loads. Its phase voltage amplitude rises above an acceptable range with no-loads which are not in agreement, as specified in the IEEE-1547 and Southern Africa grid code prerequisite. Incremental Conduction with Integral Regulator bases (IC + PI) are employed to access and regulate PVA generation, while the unwanted grid current distortions are attenuated from the network using an in-loop second order integral filtering circuit algorithm. Hence, the voltage rise at the PCC is mitigated through the generation of positive reactive power to the grid from the Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM), thereby regulating the phase voltage. The simulation study is carried out in a MATLAB/Simulink environment for PVA performance.

Growing penetrations of distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation in low-voltage electrical networks are raising new challenges for electricity industry operation. Voltage rise is a particular concern and new distributed voltage management techniques have been proposed in the literature. In this study, a novel distributed voltage control method is presented. The method is designed to be used by both PV systems and controllable loads and uses both a voltage and a power set point to manage control. These set points, along with a voltage sensitivity measure, are then used to control PV system generation and load-shedding. The objective of the control is to keep voltage levels within operational limits with reasonable accuracy. The method is practical; local measurements of net-power and voltage are used with no additional communication infrastructure required. The proposed method is compared to a power set point only and a voltage set point only control method. Results show the proposed method improves on both methods in terms of both voltage accuracy and the equity of intervention.

Aiming at the voltage rise due to the photovoltaic generation system (PVGS) at the point of common coupling (PCC), the cause is analysed with power transmission theory. Here, the principle and strategies of voltage regulation based on active and reactive power in PVGS are proposed. In this control strategy, the voltage of PCC is tracked by PV system in real time. When the voltage of PCC is normal, inverter will output in the way of maximum power point tracking (MPPT).When the voltage of PCC exceeds the upper limit, the inverter will regulate the voltage using the remaining capacity preferentially. If the remaining capacity is insufficient, the inverter will adjust active output and dynamically calculate the active and reactive best out values. In this way, the voltage of PCC is adjusted in an appropriate range to achieve the active output minimisation and reactive output optimisation of inverter. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme for voltage regulation.

Under the influence of series compensation (SC) capacitance and rated voltage rise, when ultra high voltage (UHV) high SC line occurs inner fault, the short-circuit current through the SC line is greater and the residual voltage across the SC is higher, which cause the electromagnetic transient process excited by high amplitude current and voltage to be more serious in the event of fault occurrence and removal. The security of circuit breaker (CB) equipment is threatened, which make it need further research on the characteristics and put forward some effective solutions. In this study, the characteristics of macroscopic statistical distribution of peak value via short-circuit current of transient recovery voltage (TRV) across CB fracture during switching after short-circuit current zero crossing for UHV high SC line are put forward, and also of the microscopic characterization parameter of waveform rise rate and peak value time. It shows that the TRV switching capability of existing UHV CBs can not cover all the fault scenarios of high SC line. Solutions including comprehensive comparison of TRV optimal suppression measures and increase of the UHV CB switching expected TRV test requirements are put forward, which provide feasible technical scheme for CBs reliable switching of UHV high SC line.

Aiming at the voltage rise due to the photovoltaic generation system (PVGS) at the point of common coupling (PCC), the cause is analysed with power transmission theory. Here, the principle and strategies of voltage regulation based on active and reactive power in PVGS are proposed. In this control strategy, the voltage of PCC is tracked by PV system in real time. When the voltage of PCC is normal, inverter will output in the way of maximum power point tracking (MPPT).When the voltage of PCC exceeds the upper limit, the inverter will regulate the voltage using the remaining capacity preferentially. If the remaining capacity is insufficient, the inverter will adjust active output and dynamically calculate the active and reactive best out values. In this way, the voltage of PCC is adjusted in an appropriate range to achieve the active output minimisation and reactive output optimisation of inverter. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme for voltage regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the influence of series compensation (SC) capacitance and rated voltage rise, when ultra high voltage (UHV) high SC line occurs inner fault, the short-circuit current through the SC line is greater and the residual voltage across the SC is higher, which cause the electromagnetic transient process excited by high amplitude current and voltage to be more serious in the event of fault occurrence and removal. The security of circuit breaker (CB) equipment is threatened, which make it need further research on the characteristics and put forward some effective solutions. In this study, the characteristics of macroscopic statistical distribution of peak value via short-circuit current of transient recovery voltage (TRV) across CB fracture during switching after short-circuit current zero crossing for UHV high SC line are put forward, and also of the microscopic characterization parameter of waveform rise rate and peak value time. It shows that the TRV switching capability of existing UHV CBs can not cover all the fault scenarios of high SC line. Solutions including comprehensive comparison of TRV optimal suppression measures and increase of the UHV CB switching expected TRV test requirements are put forward, which provide feasible technical scheme for CBs reliable switching of UHV high SC line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing amount of photovoltaic (PV) systems leads to a voltage rise in the distribution grid. By providing reactive power, PV and battery inverters can reduce the voltage. For this purpose, most inverters have implemented a voltage‐dependent reactive power curve, which is often parameterised once during the installation of the system. In most cases, the parameterisation does not take into account the position of the system in the grid. As a result, inverters closer to the distribution transformer provide less or no reactive power as the voltage at the beginning of a feeder is much smaller. This study presents a regulation tool, which parameterises the reactive power curve in dependence on the position in the grid. This leads to a coordinated behaviour of all inverters in a distribution grid and ensures that all inverters provide a similar amount of reactive power. Moreover, the regulation tool notices if the grid topology has changed and adapts the reactive power control to this change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient overvoltage represents a high magnitude voltage surge of a short duration which has to be considered when performing proper insulation coordination. Overhead line energisation is found to be a fundamental cause of transients. Both normal and faulty conditions are possible during line energisation. The latter implies the existence of an asymmetrical phase‐to‐ground fault and facing with two asymmetrical processes which take place concurrently. This type of energisation results in severe overvoltage, as well as in a voltage rise at the line receiving end. However, in practice, measuring devices are usually placed at the line sending end, which points to difficulties in determination of phase‐voltages at the opposite end of the line. This study offers a solution for the aforementioned issue by proposing the frequency‐dependent voltage transfer functions (TFs). By using the functions any voltage value at the sending line end will obtain the corresponding value at the receiving end. The functions are derived through complex mathematical modelling and by signal processing based on the empirical mode decomposition method. The TFs validity is confirmed through performed simulation in MATLAB Simulink and real‐site measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing deployment of Distributed Generation (DG) technologies introduces power quality challenges to the grid, in particular steady state voltage rise at the connection point for DG units. In most distribution networks, control and monitoring of grid parameters is missing, as well as system security is at risk. Smart grid technologies have the capability to realize the real-time measurements and on-load voltage controls. With the steady implementation of smart grid technologies throughout the existing distribution networks, the online voltage control can be achieved ensuring the power quality and voltage levels within the statutory limits. This study presents a methodology for the estimation of voltage profile in a smart distribution network with DG for the online voltage control, taking into account different line $X/R$ ratios and laterals. This method is based on maximum and minimum voltage estimation by remote terminal units (RTUs) placed only at DG connected bus and at capacitor connected bus. Voltage regulation is carried out based on RTUs estimated values. This work is tested on two radial distribution networks with/without DGs and laterals. Comparative results for voltage magnitudes estimated with different methodology are presented. The reported simulation results show that the method presented is capable of estimating the voltage profile along the distribution network with DGs for the online voltage control, considering different line $X/R$ ratios and laterals.

Measurement of partial discharge (PD) is a vital method to assess the health of the electrical insulation in high-voltage power equipment. As diagnostic testing at very low frequency (VLF) is increasingly being used, it is important to investigate PD behaviours under such a low-frequency voltage excitation. This study presents the PD characteristics at VLF excitation under different applied voltage waveforms, including sinusoidal and trapezoid-based waves. Also, the effects of cavity size on PD behaviours at VLF are investigated. Experiments were performed to measure PDs in a cylindrical void bounded by solid insulation. The results show that discharge activities at VLF, in general, exhibit lower magnitude and repetition rate when compared with power frequency. Also revealed is the strong dependency of discharge parameters on the rate of voltage rise. Physical mechanisms to explain discharge behaviours are given.

Solar energy from photovoltaic (PV) is among the fastest developing renewable energy systems worldwide. Driven by governmental subsidies and technological development, Europe has seen a fast expansion of solar PV in the last few years. Among the installed PV plants, most of them are situated at the distribution systems and bring various operational challenges such as power quality and power flow management. The paper discusses the modelling requirements for PV system integration studies, as well as the possible techniques for voltage rise mitigation at low voltage (LV) grids for increasing PV penetration. Potential solutions are listed and preliminary results are presented.

This paper introduces a brief analysis on hosting capacity and related concepts as applied to distribution network systems. Furthermore, it addresses the applicability of hosting capacity study methodologies to harmonic voltage distortion caused by photovoltaic panels (PV) connected at a low-voltage (LV) side of a university campus grid. The analysis of the penetration of new distributed generation technologies, such as PV panels, in the distribution grid of the campus was carried out via measurement processes, and later by computer simulations analyzing a new concept of the hosting capacity approach in relation to voltage harmonics distortion. The voltage rise due to harmonic injection is analyzed and discussed with the aim of validating the discussed model and also putting forward recommendations for connecting PV generation across other network systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hosting capacity approach is presented as a planning, improving, and communication tool for electrical distribution systems operating under specific uncertainties, such as power quality issues, power stabilities, and reliability, among others. In other words, it is an important technique, when renewable sources are present, to answer the amount of power that is possible to supply to the system without trespassing power performance limits. However, the power flow in a distribution system, for instance, can change throughout time due to the penetration of distributed generation, as well as load consumption. Based on the dynamic nature existing in distribution grids nowadays, it is important to highlight that the hosting capacity should not be calculated in a specifically chosen time only, but must be analyzed throughout a period of time. Thus, this paper introduces an extended concept of hosting capacity in relation to an integrated impact of harmonic voltage distortion and voltage rise as a function of time for daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly periods. This extended concept is named as Dynamic Hosting Capacity (DHC(t)). General aspects of DHC(t) are demonstrated via measured data on a photovoltaic system (PV) connected at a low-voltage (LV) side of a university building.

As the photovoltaic (PV) sources capacities in distribution networks continue to grow, more operational challenges are expected to be encountered. One of these challenges is the voltage rise within distribution networks due to reverse power flow from the PV sources toward the grid. In this paper, a simplified analytical approach is presented which allows the voltage rise possibility to be tested and the performance of its mitigation techniques to be evaluated. Equivalent transformations are used to represent complicated power systems using simplified circuits. Then, formulas are derived to determine the PV power limits beyond which a voltage rise will be encountered considering the PV sources capability of absorbing reactive power. Moreover, the system losses in each case are estimated using the proposed formulas. Consequently, the proposed analysis method could be used for a number of applications related to PV sizing and losses minimization. The validity of the proposed method is verified through a number of case studies where its findings are compared with results obtained from DIgSILENT software tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the detailed analysis of a reactor application for a power plant to mitigate the voltage rise of a distribution line (DL) caused by the connection of distributed resources (DRs). The maximum capacity of renewable energy generators (REGs) that meets the acceptable voltage rise of a DL and the necessary capacity of the reactor to mitigate that voltage rise according to the different types of REGs are analyzed. The re-coordination of a protection relay and the loss of generation revenue as well as the installation location of a reactor are described. Finally, the ON/OFF conditions of the reactor, such as the magnitudes of the grid voltage and generator voltage, and the duration time of the voltage rise are analyzed. As the voltage rise is mitigated and self-limited in small power plants, it is confirmed that the capacity of the DRs connected to the DL can be increased through a field demonstration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a brief analysis on hosting capacity and related concepts as applied to distribution network systems. Furthermore, it addresses the applicability of hosting capacity study methodologies to harmonic voltage distortion caused by photovoltaic panels (PV) connected at a low-voltage (LV) side of a university campus grid. The analysis of the penetration of new distributed generation technologies, such as PV panels, in the distribution grid of the campus was carried out via measurement processes, and later by computer simulations analyzing a new concept of the hosting capacity approach in relation to voltage harmonics distortion. The voltage rise due to harmonic injection is analyzed and discussed with the aim of validating the discussed model and also putting forward recommendations for connecting PV generation across other network systems.

This paper analyzes the effect of unbalanced voltage on voltage rise for a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system, and proposes a voltage rise mitigation strategy which injects negative-sequence currents to compensate the unbalanced voltage aiming especially to reduce the voltage rise. The paper also discusses how the averaged powers related to the injected negative-sequence currents are measured by the power meter. Simulation result confirms the superior performance of the proposed strategy over the classical method which suppresses the voltage rise by adjusting the power factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging trend for electric utilities to install wind-based generation on a large scale into distribution networks, employing a doubly fed induction generator or full-converter turbine technologies is raising issues for distribution planning engineers with regard to flicker among other power-quality (PQ) issues. This paper investigates dynamic volt/var control, a viable flicker mitigation technique which exploits the reactive power capabilities of modern power-electronic interfaced wind turbine generators. Dynamic volt/var control essentially mitigates flicker by solely dispatching reactive power based on voltage fluctuations within the flicker frequency band. This technique can be incorporated as part of a wind farm multiobjective reactive power-control scheme, which facilitates regulating: 1) the voltage level at the point of common coupling (PCC), employing slow-acting voltage control or power factor control and 2) the flicker level at the PCC with fast-acting dynamic volt/var control. This two-level approach can reduce the wind farm flicker level up to 80% and maintains the voltage level at the PCC well within acceptable bands. The results presented in this paper focus on a typical 25-kV medium-voltage distribution feeder integrating wind-based generation on a large scale. The performance of the two-level controller was tested for varying levels of penetration and wind speed conditions. The applicable standards and utility grid-code requirements are considered throughout. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a multi-purpose VAr control strategy for solar PV inverters for voltage support in distribution networks. The proposed strategy can be applied under various PV power generation conditions. The inverters will normally operate in a dynamic VAr compensation mode for voltage support (including low PV and no PV periods). During mid-day when PV has surplus power, the proposed strategy will control the PV inverters to absorb VAr for voltage rise mitigation using a droop characteristic approach. During passing clouds, the strategy will mitigate voltage fluctuations by ramp-rate control of inverter VAr output. A dynamic model of the proposed PV inverter control has been developed to analyze its performance in terms of fast VAr control and voltage support under various PV generation conditions. The results of the analysis performed on an Australian distribution system show that the proposed VAr control strategy can mitigate voltage rise, and improve the voltage profile despite potential vast changes in the sun irradiation during passing cloud and also in the absence of PV output during the evening. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a novel method for assessing the maximum allowable PV generation on low voltage feeders. It identifies a relationship between load, total feeder impedance, terminal count and PV generation at which the upper voltage limit for the line is breached. Identifying such a relationship alleviates the need for Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) to perform load flow calculations on a case by case basis. It also increases a DNSP's understanding of power flow in low voltage feeders and potentially enables them to develop improved strategies for managing PV on their networks. Using feeder models provided by a DNSP servicing the Australian city of Sydney's Greater West region, a substantial number of load flow calculations were performed for wide variations in feeder impedance, load and PV generation. The PV generation range is chosen such that a breach of the upper voltage limit occurs on the line. The feeder voltage profile from these simulations are analysed in Matlab to determine PV generation limits. For evenly distributed PV and load, results show a linear relationship between this PV generation limit and load for a given terminal count and a second relationship between the PV generation limit and terminal count. It is then demonstrated that through the combination of these two relationships the PV generation limit can be determined for a given load, terminal count and total feeder impedance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A common DC link for residential buildings allows customers to inject their surplus power without limitation. [•] A common DC link for residential buildings prevents AC power quality issues. [•] AC/DC network can be a the pathway to future DC network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Voltage rise is one of the main factors which limits the capacity of Low Voltage (LV) network to accommodate more Renewable Energy (RE) sources. This paper proposes a robust and effective approach to coordinate customers’ resources and manage voltage rise in residential LV networks. PV is considered as the customer RE source. The suggested coordination approach in this paper includes both localized control strategy, based on local measurement, and distributed control strategy based on consensus algorithm. This approach can completely avoid maximum permissible voltage limit violation. A typical residential LV network is used as the case study where the simulated results are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The microsystem design approach of electric systems has the purpose to improve their safety, maintenance, operation, and reliability. The microsystem design approach can be applied to the case of marinas, where pleasure craft may be moored. Marinas require a structured architecture for the shore electrical power distribution system, which supplies power to distributed loads. In addition, the design must provide for solutions to electrical hazards, as possible stray currents circulating through the earth and the water. The island-grounding system, which utilizes separation transformers grounded at the midpoint of their secondary sides, allows to supply loads divided into “islands” as independent electrical areas. This distribution system is an effective way to protect persons from shock hazards in installations with contained demand load and to greatly limit electrical interferences among systems. According to these authors, the TN-island-grounding system is the best option to supply shore power to pleasure craft in marinas. This paper substantiates that the TN-island-grounding system allows the development of “hybrid” solutions that lend themselves to the application of either the National Electrical Code, USA, or the International Electrotechnical Commission–European Union codes and standards. This important achievement would contribute to eliminate technical obstacles and discourage market barriers still existing worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increased load demands and reduced incentives to build new transmission lines, energy companies are increasing power flows on the existing transmission assets, which will increase the fault current levels (for both three-phase and phase-to-ground faults) throughout the power system. New generation sources to be added at the transmission and distribution network will increase fault current intensities. It is crucial for the users of industrial facilities to be aware of increased ground-fault current magnitude at the service entrance and of the actual condition of the grid. The protection that ground grids provide against step and touch potentials is only good up to the expected level and duration of ground-fault currents, as originally communicated by the electric utility in the design phase. In addition, thermal and mechanical stresses to the customer's ground grid and ground grid connections can increase the grid's resistance to ground and, at the same time, fault potentials. In order to prevent these problems from occurring, a ground grid assessment, utilizing field and utility updated data, should be carried out on a regular basis. This paper will illustrate a European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) approach to ground grid design, aimed to maximize the electrical safety under ground fault. In addition, case studies will be included, showing how high fault currents have damaged ground grids and what repairs are possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable Distributed Generation (RDG), when connected to a Distribution Network (DN), suffers from power quality issues because of the distorted currents drawn from the loads connected to the network over generation of active power injection at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). This research paper presents the voltage rise regulation strategy at the PCC to enhance power quality and continuous operation of RDG, such as Photovoltaic Arrays (PVAs) connected to a DN. If the PCC voltage is not regulated, the penetration levels of the renewable energy integration to a DN will be limited or may be ultimately disconnected in the case of a voltage rise issue. The network is maintained in both unity power factor and voltage regulation mode, depending on the condition of the voltage fluctuation occurrences at the PCC. The research investigation shows that variation in the consumer's loads (reduction) causes an increase in the power generated from the PVA, resulting in an increase in the grid current amplitude, reduction in the voltage of the feeder impedance and an increase in the phase voltage amplitude at the PCC. When the system is undergoing unity power factor mode, PCC voltage amplitude tends to rises with the loads. Its phase voltage amplitude rises above an acceptable range with no-loads which are not in agreement, as specified in the IEEE-1547 and Southern Africa grid code prerequisite. Incremental Conduction with Integral Regulator bases (IC + PI) are employed to access and regulate PVA generation, while the unwanted grid current distortions are attenuated from the network using an in-loop second order integral filtering circuit algorithm. Hence, the voltage rise at the PCC is mitigated through the generation of positive reactive power to the grid from the Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM), thereby regulating the phase voltage. The simulation study is carried out in a MATLAB/Simulink environment for PVA performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]