Influence of the photovoltaic generation in a small distribution network

Abstract

In this paper are presented the results of a study carried out with the data of a electrical energy distribution network in a village in the region of La Rioja (Spain). In this distribution network, property of a small utility, is connected a photovoltaic power plant with a capacity comparable with the total load connected to the network in some hours. In the study there have been used actual load and generation data, discussing the influence of the photovoltaic generation on the net demand of the village over a period of two years (2009-2010). This study is a first phase for the application of demand side management actions for adjusting the load curves with generation curves. In a second phase the influence of new distributed generation facilities, based on renewable sources (wind, biomass, cogeneration, etc.) will be considered in order to minimize the dependence of the village from external supplies.