Title:  Improving the Integration of Photovoltaic Generation on Distribution Networks via Advanced Control of Inverters

Committee:

Dr. Ronald Harley, ECE, Chair , Advisor

Dr. Santiago Grijalva, ECE, Co-Advisor

Dr. Magnus Egerstedt, ECE

Dr. Deepakraj Divan, ECE

Dr. Lukas Graber, ECE

Dr. Rhett Mayor, ME

Abstract: 

The increasing adoption of distributed, rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation is causing distribution networks to violate utility power quality and reliability standards. These violations limit the amount of PV generation that can be installed on a network since utilities must approve each new PV system interconnection under the presumption that it will not adversely impact the distribution network. This research investigates the limits to the amount of PV generation that may be installed on a distribution network and how advanced inverter control strategies may increase these limits.