Monitoring and controlling the grid integration of photovoltaic (PV) generation

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Canada needs to rebuild 70% electricity generation capacity by 2030 due to aging infrastructure and meeting the global environmental standards, which force us to use more renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic (PV). Among wind and PV, PV has the most promising future due to advancements in material science and versatile installation options. That is why PV installations are increasing and encouraged in Canada and worldwide with feed-in tariff (FIT) programs to include more renewable energy sources in the energy mix. However, these efforts are becoming fruitless because of the existing legacy grid infrastructure, which was not designed to allow bi-directional energy flow. That is why local distribution companies (LDCs) restrict PV installations in a neighborhood if the PV's peak generation capacity exceeds some percentage of the maximum capacity of the grid in that neighborhood (e.g., 7% in Ontario). This limitation significantly reduces the inclusion of the PV generation and the biggest obstacle in incorporating renewable generation in to the energy mix. However, PVs are not operating at their peak generation capacity most of the time because of seasonal and daily weather conditions, sun's movement during the day, and installation inefficiencies (not able to use optimum angle and partial shadowing.). That is why using peak generation capacity of PVs is not a reliable and effective measure but there is no alternative for LDCs while issuing permits. This projects will build necessary infrastructure and effective communication channel between PV installation and the LDCs control center. With such communication channel, LDCs can monitor the generation capacity of the PVs, and enable and disable safe energy flow to the grid without losing their regulation capacity, and short circuit protection. All of these will increase renewable energy sources to the energy generation. Another advantage of such communication channel is to eliminate islanding to protect safety of maintenance crew or allow controlled islanding to maintain power in the neighborhood. Such communication channel is essential in providing smart grid features for better optimization and operation.