Energy Storage Optimization Schemes for PV Integration

Elizabeth L. Ratnam, UC San Diego

April 27, 2016; 11:00 - 12:00pm; EBUII 479

Abstract:  In recent years, a rapid and dramatic increase in electrical power generation from renewable energy sources has been observed in many countries. Rapid increases in grid-connected small-scale solar photovoltaics (PV) have been driven by government incentives and renewable energy rebates, including residential feed-in tariffs and the financial policy of net metering. However, new challenges arise in balancing the generation of electricity with variable demand at all times as traditional fossil fuel-fired generators are retired and replaced with intermittent renewable electricity sources.

This presentation considers ways to balance distributor and customer benefits of battery storage co-located with solar PV, with a view to facilitating continual increases in grid-connected solar PV. Two issues that arise when accommodating significant residential-scale PV generation are addressed: the first is reverse power flow that leads to considerable voltage rise; the second corresponds to peak loads that occur infrequently, but potentially lead to the need for costly network augmentation when PV generation is unavailable. The benefits associated with addressing these two distributor issues are balanced with the benefit of scheduling battery storage to improve operational savings that accrue to customers.

Bio:  Elizabeth L. Ratnam received the B.E. (Hons I) degree in Electrical Engineering in 2006, and the Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering in 2016, all from the University of Newcastle, Australia. During 2001–2012 she gained engineering experience at Ausgrid, one of the largest electricity distribution networks in Australia. Her research interests lie in the areas of power systems and control theory.