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The challenges of modern power systems will inevitably impose increased ancillary service requirements to photovoltaic (PV) plants in the future, including operating reserves. Recent studies have investigated methods to maintain active power reserves without energy storage in the standard case of uniform illumination. In this paper, this functionality is extended to partial shading conditions, often encountered in PV systems. A new control scheme is proposed that permits operation at a reduced power level, estimating at the same time the shading conditions and maximum available power. This is achieved by applying a least-squares curve fitting algorithm on voltage and current measurements, without relying on any irradiance or temperature sensors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first power reserves control scheme for PV systems under partial shading presented in the literature. The robustness and effectiveness of the proposed method are validated under rapidly changing shading conditions through simulations and experimental tests on a 2-kW PV system prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main scope of this paper is to propose a suitable frequency control scheme for high-voltage dc-links (HVDC) based on voltage source converters (VSCs), operating in island systems with on-site conventional generation and external ac interconnectors. The proposed droop-type and inertia emulator is built upon the power synchronization control (PSC) concept, where grid synchronization is achieved without the need of a dedicated synchronization unit. The dynamics of the proposed PSC-based scheme are assessed both in frequency and time domain, utilizing a realistic study-case system, which corresponds to the current planning for the interconnection of Crete to the Greek mainland system, involving ac and dc interconnectors operating in parallel with conventional local thermal units. To demonstrate the benefits offered by the proposed controller in the context of frequency response, a detailed average value model is developed for the VSC-HVDC link in MATLAB/Simulink, where severe contingencies are simulated, such as the sudden loss of the external ac interconnector or local generation, leading from mainland grid-connected to islanded operation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents an alternative control scheme for offshore wind turbines (WTs) connected to the mainland grid through high voltage dc (HVDC) links based on voltage source converters (VSCs). The proposed WT controller inherently provides rapid droop-type frequency response, without the need to implement an additional WT frequency controller. A coordinated control approach is proposed between the WT and HVDC controllers in order to achieve fault ride-through (FRT) and frequency response capabilities, relying solely on offshore frequency modulation. To demonstrate the FRT capability of the VSC-HVDC link, a detailed EMT-type model is first developed in Matlab/Simulink, where onshore grid faults are tested. Then, the offshore wind farm is connected to a study case system in order to assess the contribution of the VSC-HVDC link to frequency regulation, by exploiting the proposed WT controller along with the communication capability between the two HVDC VSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Photovoltaic (PV) system performance is influenced by several factors, including irradiance, temperature, shading, degradation, mismatch losses, soiling, etc. Shading of a PV array, in particular, either complete or partial, can have a significant impact on its power output and energy yield, depending on array configuration, shading pattern, and the bypass diodes incorporated in the PV modules. In this paper, the effect of partial shading on multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) PV modules is investigated. A PV module simulation model implemented in P-Spice is first employed to quantify the effect of partial shading on the I–V curve and the maximum power point (MPP) voltage and power. Then, generalized formulae are derived, which permit accurate enough evaluation of MPP voltage and power of mc-Si PV modules, without the need to resort to detailed modeling and simulation. The equations derived are validated via experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Load demand in small autonomous island systems is typically covered by Diesel Units (DU). Although a favourable renewable energy source (RES) potential might exist, the technical constraints introduced by the conventional generators result in relatively low RES penetration levels, typically up to 15%–20% of the annual energy demand. To overcome such limitations, introduction of energy storage is necessary. In the case of very small islands (less than 1 MW peak load), lead-acid battery energy storage systems (BESS) constitute a technically mature solution with considerable application potential. In this paper, the potential for achieving very high RES penetration levels with the introduction of BESS in an existing small island system is investigated. An operating policy is first introduced for the overall system, including conventional generators, RES (wind and photovoltaic) stations and storage system. Simulation results are then presented to quantify the expected energy benefits in terms of RES energy penetration and the impact on the economics of the island system. The sizing of the hybrid system components is then investigated by conducting a parametric analysis and then optimized by applying genetic algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Harmonic emissions of variable speed wind turbines (WTs) are a well-known issue, but little information that is based on field measurements on actual machines has been published on the subject. In this paper, the harmonic behavior of modem WTs using extensive measurements performed on commercially avail- able machines is discussed. Specific issues addressed include the shape and the frequency range of the harmonic current spectrum, the variation of the harmonics with the WT operating point, the statistical characteristics of their magnitude and phase angle, the effect of grouping and time-averaging, as well as their symmetrical component characteristics. The objective of the paper is to outline important general characteristics of the harmonic behavior of WTs, rather than to analyze specific machines or compare alternative WT designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable-speed wind turbines inject harmonic currents in the network, which may potentially create voltage distortion problems. In this paper, a case study is presented for a 10-MW wind farm, intended to be connected to a network with extended high-voltage submarine cable lines. First, the system modeling approach and the harmonic load-flow calculation is described. Then, the harmonic impedance of the system is calculated for a variety of configurations and operating conditions, and its main characteristics are discussed. Harmonic load-flow calculations are provided to indicate potential voltage distortion problems. A simplified methodology, suggested in relevant IEC publications, is applied to the system and its results are compared to those of the harmonic load flow. A discussion on the summation of harmonic currents within a wind farm is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomous power systems, such as those existing in small and medium-size islands, typically consist of medium voltage networks fed by conventional power stations and present characteristics not typical for large interconnected grids. In this paper, results are presented and analyzed from a power-quality measurement campaign, conducted in a diesel-powered island system with significant wind penetration. Emphasis is placed on the voltage flicker, which was found quite increased under all operating conditions. It is shown that the diesel engines of the conventional power station are the main source of flicker in the system, due to the pulsed variation of their torque. The operation of the wind farms, on the other hand, does not result in any notable deterioration of the voltage quality level in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes the effect of faults and other disturbances, common in rural medium voltage (MV) distribution systems for a typical fixed speed wind turbine (WT), equipped with an induction generator. Evaluation of resulting torque transients; Type of electrical faults to be considered in the design and certification of WT.

In this paper, new expressions are introduced for the determination of the maximum power point (MPP) of photovoltaic (PV) systems as explicit functions of the five parameters of the single-diode model employing the Lambert W function. These equations provide the voltage and current at MPP in a direct and straightforward manner, thus dispensing with any need for iterative solution. They are initially derived for a PV system operating under uniform conditions, and subsequently extended for mismatched conditions at the PV string level. The novelty of these formulae lies in their solid theoretical foundation, which supports their validity in the general case and offers a well-founded symbolic formulation for the MPP evaluation problem. Extended simulations and experimental validation are performed to verify the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed equations compared with other methods available in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this special issue is to collect and disseminate publications that highlight recent advances and breakthroughs in the area of renewable energy resources. The use of these resources for production of electricity is increasing rapidly worldwide. As of 2015, a majority of countries have set renewable electricity targets in the 10%?40% range to be achieved by 2020?2030, with a few notable exceptions aiming for 100% generation by renewables. We are experiencing a truly unprecedented transition away from fossil fuels, driven by environmental, energy security, and socio-economic factors.Electric machines can be found in a wide range of renewable energy applications, such as wind turbines, hydropower and hydrokinetic systems, flywheel energy storage devices, and low-power energy harvesting systems. Hence, the design of reliable, efficient, cost-effective, and controllable electric machines is crucial in enabling even higher penetrations of renewable energy systems in the smart grid of the future. In addition, power electronic converter design and control is critical, as they provide essential controllability, flexibility, grid interface, and integration functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]