Summary

A solar (PV) farm (approx. 60 MW) is connected at 21 kV level to a 110/21 kV substation via a 24 km long cable. Power fluctuations of the PV farm caused stationary voltage limit violations in the medium-voltage (MV) grid.

A PV farm exhibits large power variations due to passing clouds, leading to voltage deviations that need to be counteracted by the 110/21 kV transformer’s tap changer. However, the power transformer’s automatic tap changer takes several minutes before the voltage is adjusted, slower than the power fluctuations of the PV farm.

This paper discusses the impact of PV farm power fluctuations on the distribution network and evaluates its power quality against the Dutch grid code criteria. Possible solutions are analysed, including a STATCOM, reactive power control and voltage control by the PV farm.

It is concluded that power fluctuations of solar, wind and battery farms are impacting other MV grid users by causing problematic, “moderately rapid” voltage fluctuations, too slow to be considered rapid voltage changes (RVC) as per IEC 61000-3-7, but large enough to create voltage violations elsewhere in the MV grid. The grid code and international standards should address such “moderately rapid” voltage fluctuations. Grid operators should consider

“moderately rapid” voltage fluctuations in assessing the connection request. Guidelines should be developed for this.

Additional informations

Publication type Session Materials
Reference C4_10303_2026
Publication year
Publisher CIGRE
Country Netherlands, The
Study committees
  • Power system technical performance (C4)
File size 1 MB
Price for non member 30 €
Price for member 30 €

Authors

GROEMAN Frederik - DNV; BERENDE Maarten - Enexis; JONKER Alwin - Enexis; LAZDANAITE Emilija - DNV; KUIJPERS Wim - DNV

Keywords

Power Quality – Voltage Fluctuations – Renewables – Solar – Distribution – Medium Voltage – Reactive Power

Large, moderately rapid voltage fluctuations due to a PV farm: an additional limit on how much PV fits in the medium-voltage grid