Researchers from the Technical University of Madrid and the Public University of Navarra have developed an emulator for the generated power by a cluster of PV systems located in the same climatic region. 

The tool only works with the irradiance indicent at a point data, accurately replicating the power dynamics generated by the cluster of PV plants. In this way, the network robustness can be checked in terms of power and frequency without monitorization or telemetry of the PV plants which are being managed. 

“The estimation done by PROPHET will enable penetrations up tu 30% of PV power in the European electric system”

Energy

• One of the electric power characteristics is that it cannot be stored in large amounts, so for the proper operation of the electric system, the production of the plants should be instantly equal to the consumption in an accurately way.
• When power is generated, PV plants enter disruptions in the network , which makes it necessary to set a limit for the PV power that can be sent to the electric system.
• This variability in the generated power is one of the biggest challenges for the massive integration of PV systems in the electric network.

“The biggest challenge is to adapt the renewable energies contribution – dependent on the meteorological conditions – to the electric system where the production and consumption balance is needed”

Energy

• Photovoltaic Solar Energy will lead the renewable energies with an anual growth rate of 14.6% until 2019 [elperiodicodelaenergia.com – March 2015]
• The estimated average global growth of photovoltaic infrastructure during the period 2013-2017 is 66%  [IHS].
• Currently, the renewable energy sources represent a share of 17.27% of the generation capacity in USA, being 1% the photovoltaic energy but in continuous growth [elperiodicodelaenergia.com – Julio 2015]

Network Operators

• Red Eléctrica Corporation obtained a net profit of M€ 717,8 in 2014, 35,7% bigger tan 2013 [El mundo - Febrero 2015].

• Enables up to 30% of PV power in the European electic system.
• Easy implementation; mínimum infrastructure needed.
• It can be applied to a cluster of PV plants in the same climatic region
• It does not need hardware nor PV plants monitorization.
• It uses data provided by an existing meteorological station in a region.