Optimal Placement and Sizing for Solar Farm with Economic Evaluation, Power Line Loss and Energy Consumption Reduction

Abstract

In this study, a mathematical model is simulated in order to collect the solar radiation; consequently, evaluate the output power generated from photovoltaic panels (PVs). The simulation is based on two models of solar panels, one with Sun-tracker and the other one is stationary to illustrate differences between the PVs output power related to either tracking the sun or with fixed installation. PVs are simulated with three types of output power, 150 KW, 300 and 600 KW. After calculating the output power for the PV panels, it is possible to find the PVs optimum placement and sizing for a 69 IEEE RTS distribution power system in order to reduce power line losses and also receiving the maximum profit by selling the generated power via PVs. Placing and sizing the PVs are limited by common power system limitation such as voltage profile as well as overcurrent violation in the distribution system. Aside from that additional limitations such as reverse power flow, power line capacity and different group of loads, such as residential, industrial and agricultural, are considered in this paper in order to make the simulation more realistic. Moreover, meteorological data is collected from metrological organization of Mashhad, Iran. Finally, after calculating the injected power using PVs the amount of reduced energy from the main feeder is calculated; and consequently, economic benefit for the customers is evaluated. Economic evaluation for this study took place in 2014 according to Iran's electricity market.

KEYWORDS:

• Economic analysis
• Energy consumption
• Sitting and sizing
• Solar farm

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sajjad Ahmadnia

Sajjad Ahmadnia received his BS degree from Sadjad University of Technology, Mashhad, Iran, in 2012, and the MS degree from University of Birjand, South of Khorasan Iran, in 2014 and all in power electrical engineering. His current research interests include Probabilistic evaluation of the power system, evolutionary algorithms, electric distribution systems, power system operation, power system reliability, reactive power control and power system restoration and he also published different papers on the mentioned subjects. Email: [email protected]

Ehsan Tafehi

Ehsan Tafehi received his BS degree in automation and control engineering from Montazeri Technical College of Mashhad in 2010, the MS degree in power electrical engineering, distribution and transmission of the power system, in 2015 from the University of Birjand, Iran. His technical interest includes smart grid and automation in power system, renewable Energy resources and energy management system. Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

Fatemeh Shakhsi Dastgahian

Fatemeh Shakhsi Dastgahian received her BS degree in electrical engineering in 2008 from Mashhad Azad University and after that she received her MS degree in the field of control in 2015 from Gonabad Azad University. Email: [email protected]