Investigation of Value-Added System Support Functions of PV Systems**

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This project aims to combine photovoltaic (PV) generation and smart power inverters to create power system support functions that enhance electricity distribution grids, in addition to generating environmentally-friendly energy. Adding reactive power to the existing active power control of PV inverter operation capacity can enable power system support functions such as management of reactive power, voltage regulation, and voltage & frequency ride-through. As a result, multiple PV systems can be aggregated via communication networks to function as variable reactive power generators. This presents great potential to displace capacitor banks or reactors to conduct reactive power control in local distribution networks. ** **UNB researchers will conduct this investigation with Saint John Energy (SJE), who owns and operates the electrical distribution system serving the city of Saint John and surrounding areas. SJE has identified great potential benefits in integrating PV generation into its distribution system and would like to investigate additional values beyond generating kWh's from PV systems via smart PV inverters. The value added from PV system support functions can help achieve higher penetration of renewable energy in the electricity market, resulting in environmental benefits from reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The research outcome could potentially benefit over 100 local distribution companies across Canada.********