Overvoltage Protection of Pv Microinstallations – Regulatory Requirements and Simulation Model

Abstract

In low-voltage power networks with a large share of distributed energy sources, the phenomenon of overvoltage is increasingly observed. Although it may be desirable to raise the voltage value downstream of the network, in some cases the upper allowable voltage limit is exceeded. The method of eliminating voltage rises commonly used in the Polish power system is the installation of overvoltage protections, disconnecting the source from the grid. Such action reduces the profitability of prosumer installations, discouraging future potential investors. It turns out, however, that this is not the only disadvantage of such a solution. Sudden and uncoordinated disconnections and reconnections of more energy sources cause abrupt voltage changes that negatively affect the voltage conditions in the network. The aim of the paper is to present the operating algorithms of a standard overvoltage relay used in inverters of photovoltaic microinstallations. These algorithms – described in standards and national regulations – were tested in a typical inverter used in public low-voltage networks and implemented in the created simulation model of the relay. The described tests will be used for further work to demonstrate the need to coordinate the operation of overvoltage protections or replace them with other measures to improve voltage conditions in the grid with high share of photovoltaic sources.