Active Management of PV-Rich Low Voltage Networks

Abstract

The increased penetration of residential-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems in European-style low voltage (LV) networks (i.e., long feeders with high number of connected customers) is leading to technical issues such as voltage rise and thermal overload of the most expensive network assets (i.e., transformer, cables). As these issues significantly limit the ability of LV networks to accommodate higher PV penetrations, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are required to proceed with expensive and time-consuming investments in order to reinforce or replace these assets. In contrast to this traditional approach of network reinforcement, which potentially leads to massive capital expenditure, t..