STRATEGIC SITTING OF GRID CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS IN FEEDERS WITH DAYTIME DEMAND PEAK

Abstract

Since the 70s, Brazil is experiencing crisis and financial constraints periods in the electricity sector. Strategies to control the load curve, especially at peak times, should be priorities in that area. One alternative to displace that load is the use of photovoltaic generators (PV) connected to the power grid, thus spreading generation in the consumers’ points. It is noticed daytime peak load is mainly due to the use of air conditioning and it happens precisely on cases in which the solar availability is high. The load curves for "daytime consumption" regions will be analyzed and compared with the photovoltaic generation capacity (PV). For that, it will be calculated the Effective Load-Carrying Capacity (ELCC) of PV systems connected to the grid, translating the capacity of PV plants to ensure the consumption supply for a given region analyzed. This capacity factor will be relevant if there is adequate solar radiation and increasing energy consumption, i.e., when there is the need for electric system expansion, mainly transmission and distribution. The analysis can be made for every region with availability of consumption and solar generation data. Studies will confirm, in the practice, the PV systems efficiency to reduce daytime peak load. This work aims to establish a methodology for identifying sites where PV generation can be applied with the maximum benefits.