POWER QUALITY MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS WITH CLUSTERS OF

PHOTOVOLTAIC INVERTERS

By

ITUMELENG ISAAC SELEKE

A mini-dissertation submitted for the partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree

BACCALAUREUS INGENERIAE

In

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING SCIENCE

At the

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

STUDY LEADER: PROF TWALA

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: PROBLEM STATEMENT.......................................................................3
1.1

INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT...................................................................3

1.2

PROBLEM STATEMENT................................................................................4

1.3

PROJECT OBJECTIVE...................................................................................5

1.4

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT..............................................................................5

1.5

METHODOLOGY OVERVIEW........................................................................5

1.6

DELIVERABLES.......................................................................................... 7

1.7

ECSA OUTCOMES........................................................................................ 7

1.8

OVERVIEW AND CONCLUSION.....................................................................9

1.9

REFERENCES............................................................................................ 10

CHAPTER 1: PROBLEM STATEMENT

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1.1 INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT

When a product is produced and sold to consumers, the expectation by consumer is that this
product must meet some standard, which will determine the quality and the overall sale and
consumption of the product. The better the quality of product the more use it will be to the
consumers. The same economic theory applies when it comes to electricity generation,
distribution and its utilization. Electric power as a product has become one which is essential
to the existence of human beings. It (electric power) has become a need through which most,
if not all human activity revolves around, whether economic, academic or recreational
activity. Thus the quality and packaging of this essential product becomes an important
topic that needs to explored. A field that looks to investigate this topic is suitably called
Power Quality (PQ). PQ looks at the state of power produced by utilities private or public
through analysis, simply being used a measure of how the power produced and supplied for
consumption deviates from Ideal power, which has a constant magnitude i.e. voltage and
current, and frequency [5].
This field of Power System research looks to convey the state of the electric power being
supplied in a well-defined and quantifiable metric. Setting up standards that are used by
utilities to guide them from experiencing problems that might arise from the quality of the
power produced. PQ problems include presence of Harmonics, Reactive Power, Load
imbalance and voltage variations (Flicker) in a distribution network, which can either be from
supply (generation) side fed to grid or from consumer (Residential or Industrial) exported
into the grid [1] . If the power in the grid contains either of the phenomena mentioned then
the integrity of the power is compromised, making it unsafe to distribute and consumed. Poor
PQ can lead to the following problems in the grid:
-

Overheating of apparatus connected to the grid i.e. transformers which will eventually

lead to a reduction in the lifespan of apparatus

Voltage fluctuations issues
Incorrect operation of overvoltage and overcurrent protection equipment causing
supply failures [2].

Thus the urgency of the power utilities to study and find ways to mitigate against such
concerns by analysis and measurement of PQ. This will provide them with solutions to
prevent such problems, limit their effect, become a motivation for developing new power
generation strategies and ultimately become source of financial gain.
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1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

With the growing demand of electric power, power utilities around the world are finding it
increasingly difficult to cater for this demand using old-fashioned fuel-based power
generation methods due to limited resources of the fuels in the world currently available for
future generation. Another cause for concern being the need for power utilities to become
environmentally conscious in their methods. Therefore over the years focus has been
primarily on investigating the use of renewable energy sources to generate power. These
sources include wind, solar and water, for purposes of this paper we will look at solar energy
source. Solar radiation from the sun is directly converted into electric power using solar cells
with this process being termed photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion. Because PV technology
produces direct current (DC) electricity an inverter is used to convert it to alternating current
(AC) using power electronic devices. PV systems are connected to the grid via theses
inverters.
With the growing need to integrate PV electric power into current grid, motivated by state
incentives and clean energy-generation requirements, research studies need to be done to
investigate its potential impact. Recent studies have indicated that a high density

of PV

inverters in Reticulation and Low Voltage(LV) networks pose a challenge to the stability of
voltage and current caused by the interaction between the high number of inverters and the
grid, impacting on PQ and integrity the grid [3]. This results in the need to do PQ
measurement and analysis with clusters of PV inverters. The benefit of this being the
reduction of barriers related to the integration of PV technology or any other renewable
energy i.e. wind technology into the grid.

1.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is measure and analyse the Power Quality (PQ) of the power
generated from high density or clustered Photovoltaic systems which make use of inverters.
From the data identify any concerns that might emanate from the power generated and

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develop probable solutions which may mitigate or decrease the impact of such concerns. Also
look at methods PQ can be optimised and corrected through use of other electronic circuits.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

Locate a LV network with high density or clustered PV installations connected to it. Measure
using power quality analyser, the power exported back into the grid at Point of Common
Connection (PCC). Analyse the data and determine the PQ of the power exported back into
the grid. Determine by comparison whether the PQ and other characteristics of the power
meets regulatory standards. Locate any points of interest. Develop suggestions on how PQ
can be improved. If a LV network with high density of clustered PV installation cannot be
found the student will simulate such a network using Power System software.

1.5 METHODOLOGY OVERVIEW

As with any project, this one will made out of sequential stages enabling the researcher to
identify and comprehensively understand the project objective. This will help the researcher
create new understanding and ultimately determine any probable solutions to the problem
statement [6] [7]. Below are the stages which will help researcher meet project objective.

Identifying and Formulating Problem

Here the researcher will identify a wide subject area which is of particular interest to
them. Divide the subject area into subareas. From these subareas choose which special
interest to them. Once this done the construct research questions which will lead to a

formalization and assessment of objectives.

Literature review
This stage of the project the researcher will study and familiarize themselves with the
available literature in the project topic. This will help bring focus to the research
objective, help widen the knowledge of and ultimately help contextualise the findings.
This will be done through books and journals

Preparation of Design
Here the theoretical arrangement of how the research will be conducted is formalized.
Such as the objectives that will be used to answer research questions. Also how or
which data collection method is going to be used. Choice of where source information
will be collected is discussed as well as the tools used for data collection. Lastly this
stage will look at how data will analysed and structured in such way that it provides
answers to the project objective.

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Collection of Data
Once the research problem has been formulated, developed the design and chosen the
sample or location fitting of project objective the data can be collected that will help

researcher determine any conclusions.

Process and Analysing Data
Processing and analysing data involves a number of closely related operations which
are performed with the purpose of summarizing the collected data and organizing

these in a manner that they answer the research questions (objectives).

Report and Presentation of Findings
Here the researcher informs those interested what they have done, what they have
found and the various conclusions that can be drawn from the findings. Summing up
their findings in relation to other research.

1.6 DELIVERABLES
As part of the project the researcher will need to provide deliverables throughout the course
to the completion of the project (November 2015). Here the researcher will provide tangible
proof of the current state of project. Below is a chart [Figure 1] showing the state of the
project, different stages and whether is completed or not.

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Chapter 1:
Problem Statement
State:Completed

Chapter 6:
Implementation
Overview
State: Not
Completed

Chapter 7:
Results and Analysis
State: Not
Completed

Chapter 2:
Requirements
Analysis
State: Not
Completed

Chapter 5:
Experimental Design
State: Not
Completed

Chapter 8:
Conclusion and
Presentation of
findings
State: Not
Completed

Chapter 3:
Literature Review
State: Not
Completed

Chapter 4:
Design
State: Not
Completed

Figure 1: Project Deliverables flow chart

1.7 ECSA OUTCOMES

There are certain outcomes set by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) that the
researcher/ student must attain while executing the project [7]. Below are the outcomes and
how they would be achieved with this project.

Problem Solving
By identifying, evaluating, communicating and ultimately unscrambling an openended engineering problem the ECSA outcome would be achieved.

Application of Scientific and Engineering Knowledge

By being able to demonstrate how the application of mathematics and engineering
science to solving an engineering problem the outcome would be achieved.

Investigations, Experiment and Data Analysis

The outcome will achieved if the project is able to demonstrate how investigations,
designs and experiments are used in solving an engineering problem.

Engineering methods, skills and tools, including Information Technology

The project must be able to demonstrate how skills, methods, and tools applicable to
engineering were used. With Information Technology (IT) playing a big role in the
industry the use of IT should also be demonstrated in the project.

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Professional and technical communication

By communicating effectively, orally and in writing with an engineering audience this
outcome will be achieved.

Impact of Engineering activity

The project should will achieve this outcome if it is able to show an awareness of how
an engineering activity affects different environments i.e. social, industrial and
physical.

Independent learning ability

If the project is able to demonstrate independent learning using well-developed
learning skill the abovementioned outcome shall be achieved.

1.8 OVERVIEW AND CONCLUSION

This part of the document provides context to the engineering problem. With this section an
attempt is made to formulate the problem as this determines almost every step that follows.
Having covered the specific subject area which the project resides, Power Quality
measurement and analysis with particular interest in the power generated from Photovoltaic
(PV) systems, this will essentially help in developing the requirements that the project should
meet, which subject area to conduct the literature review. Topics such as the methodology and
deliverables are discussed in this chapter to give clarity on how project objective will be met
and tangible deliverables that follow each stage closer to project completion.
The next Chapter, is the Requirements Analysis chapter, there a discussion on topics such as
issues, constraints and requirements that affect the project need are determined. Here the
engineering problem will be analysed in more detail listing any stumbling blocks that could
affect the projects success.

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1.9 REFERENCES

[1 F. Katiraei and J. R. Aguero, Solar PV Integration Challenges, IEEE Power & Energy
]

magazine, p. 62, 21 April 2011.

[2 D. K. Schipman and D. F. Delince, THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD POWER

]

QUALITY, ABB Power Quality Products, Brugge.

[3 Solar Edge, Problems and Disadvantages in Current Residential & Commercial On-grid
]

PV Systems, 2012.

[4 J. Lei and N. C. Nirmal-Kumar, Power quality analysis for building integrated PV and
]

micro wind turbine in New Zealand, Energy and Buildings, no. 58, pp. 302-309, 2013.

[5 A. Stavrou and e. al, Towards the establishment of maximum PV generation limits due
]

to power quality constraints, Electrical Power and Energy Systems, no. 42, pp. 285-298,
2012.

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[6 C. Dawson, Practical Research Methods, New Delhi: UBS Publishers, 2002.

]
[7 University of Pretoria:School of Engineering Department of Industrial and Systems
]

Engineering, INDUSTRY GUIDELINES FOR FINAL YEAR PROJECT, Pretoria, 2013.

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