Grid Support Benefits of Solar PV Systems as STATCOM (PV-STATCOM) Through Converter Control: Grid Integration Challenges of Solar PV Power Systems

Inverter-based resources (IBRs) such as solar PV systems and wind power systems are experiencing a phenomenal growth worldwide in an effort to minimize carbon emissions. It is anticipated by the International Renewable Energy Agency that by 2050 about 35% of world's electricity will be provided by solar PV systems. Increasingly ambitious targets are being set by various countries to achieve 100% renewable power generation in narrowing time horizons. However, IBRs present unique integration challenges that include: 1) an increase in steady-state voltages resulting in reduced hosting capacity of solar systems, 2) voltage fluctuations, 3) reverse power flows, 4) interaction with conventional voltage regulation equipment, 5) variability of power output, 6) balancing power supply and demand, 7) changes in active power flow in feeders, 8) increased line losses, 9) harmonic injections, 10) protection and control issues, 11) reduced short circuit current issues, 12) unintentional islanding; and so on. Displacement of conventional fossil-fired generating systems by IBRs and also high penetration of the latter causes frequency regulation issues and an increase in power oscillations due to a reduction in overall system inertia.