An investigation into the use of smart grid technologies for the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, where extensive solar generation is planned in a constrained network
Date
2015-05-04
Authors
Parbhoo, Nishal
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Abstract
Large scale distributed generation is expected to be implemented in South Africa for
the first time due to government initiated programmes aimed at increasing the utilization
of renewable energy resources for power generation. Solar photovoltaic distributed
generation is proposed in the vast majority of renewable energy power generation independent
power producer applications received in the Northern Cape of South Africa;
therefore the integration of these units into the distribution networks presents a great
challenge. The current distribution network was not originally designed for integration
of distributed generation at such high penetration levels. Expensive and lengthy network
reinforcement and strengthening projects will need to be implemented in the distribution
network to facilitate safe and reliable interconnection of distributed generation
at higher penetration levels. This report gathers and documents the major challenges
such as: voltage regulation, equipment thermal ratings, power quality, and protection
coordination related to solar photovoltaic distributed generation interconnection to constrained
distribution networks. Smart grid technologies which enable higher penetration
of distributed generation and provide a cost-effective alternative to network strengthening
are investigated. Based on the South African context, a Smart Grid technology
approach is proposed and the Smart Grid technologies which offer tangible and direct
benefits in the short term are prioritised for implementation.