Identifying the wheeling costs associated with solar sharing in LV distribution networks in Australia using power flow tracing and MW-Mile methodology

Abstract

PV systems, as one type of distributed generation, have been popularly applied to residential and commercial power supply systems for compensating grid electricity consumption. Schemes for sharing PV power within LV distribution networks have also begun to develop, with the aim to more widely spread the benefits of utilizing localized renewable-generated electricity. Consequently, to utilize the local LV distribution network, there is an argument that customers (both small scale generators and consumers) should pay a 'wheeling charge' to utilities for grid services related to the transport of energy, similar to their transmission counterparts. This paper presents some of the existing issues related to implementing a 'wheeling charge' for network services raised in the process of sharing locally generated PV power in a LV distribution system. Two methodologies: 'generation matrix', based on proportional sharing principle; and 'MW-Mile', based on network losses, have been combined to cover the economic operation and tracing of energy supplied by a PV generator and transported through the local LV distribution network. An evaluation of the potential costs of using the LV distribution network including daily PV output and building load demand is provided, utilising a case study. Abstract-PV systems, as one type of distributed generation, have been popularly applied to residential and commercial power supply systems for compensating grid electricity consumption. Schemes for sharing PV power within LV distribution networks have also begun to develop, with the aim to more widely spread the benefits of utilizing localized renewable-generated electricity. Consequently, to utilize the local LV distribution network, there is an argument that customers (both small scale generators and consumers) should pay a 'wheeling charge' to utilities for grid services related to the transport of energy, similar to their transmission counterparts. This paper presents some of the existing issues related to implementing a 'wheeling charge' for network services raised in the process of sharing locally generated PV power in a LV distribution system. Two methodologies: 'generation matrix', based on proportional sharing principle; and 'MW-Mile', based on network losses, have been combined to cover the economic operation and tracing of energy supplied by a PV generator and transported through the local LV distribution network. An evaluation of the potential costs of using the LV distribution network including daily PV output and building load demand is provided, utilising a case study.

Studi Penerapan Power Wheeling Pembangkit Fotovoltaik Dengan Metode MW-km

“…Several studies use power wheeling schemes for the implementation of generation from renewable energy sources such as PV and wind generation as well as the trend of using DG in distribution networks [7]- [9]. HOMER and DIgSILENT software have been used to conduct technical feasibility and financial feasibility studies based on levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and net present cost (NPC) for the implementation of power wheeling of PV and wind generation in distribution networks in Nigeria and South Africa [7], [8].…”

“…Another study has determined the distribution network rental cost using the MW-mile method based on the difference in line power flow magnitude for the implementation of power wheeling in the distribution network system in Thailand [11]. The MW-mile method has also been used to evaluate the network rental costs associated with the use of the distribution network system in Australia for PV generation [9].…”