A PV dispersed generator: a power quality analysis within the IEEE 519

The use of environmentally clean photovoltaic (PV) dispersed generation will become more widespread in the future due to anticipated cost reductions in PV technology. This paper summarizes the results of a power quality (PQ) study performed on a PV generator in order to estimate the effects that inverter-interfaced PV dispersed generation might have upon the quality of electric power. Different interpretations of the harmonic distortion limits set in the IEEE 519-1992 standard are performed together with a comparison with the BC Hydro's harmonic current limits. This paper also includes a statistical analysis of all measurements recorded with the help of two PQ monitors, an evaluation of the results from a connection/disconnection test, and harmonic simulation results. Index Terms--Dispersed generation, harmonic distortion, IEEE standards, IEEE 519-1992, power quality, photovoltaic power generation.