Analysis of a Photovoltaic System: AC and DC Power Quality

Since the penetration of photovoltaic systems in the electrical network is increasing, the need to register and model the contribution of these energy sources, in terms of generated disturbances, quality and amount of available power, is becoming a crucial issue for optimal management of grid. So, this paper, starting from data experimentally recorded on a medium scale photovoltaic system that is grid connected, performs a certain number of analyses both in AC and DC side, in order to better understand and explore the nature of electricity generation patterns of PV plants. In addition to the calculation and the comment of common steady state power quality indexes, also transitory situations are analyzed and discussed. Finally, an analysis of the electric power components according IEEE 1459 is performed and the results show that the application of that standard in this practical case presents some critical aspects. Key-Words: voltage measurement, current measurement, power measurement, power quality measurement, photovoltaic plant, IEEE 1459.