Optimization of photovoltaics active power curtailment in low voltage networks by using Artificial bee colony method

Abstract

Rapidly increasing share of photovoltaics in electricity generation that are connected on the low voltage network can cause overvoltages and reduce reliability of power supply due to their stochastic daily generation curve that don’t coincide with the consumption curve. Distribution system operators have to manage distribution networks in a way to ensure prescribed reliability of power supply and electricity quality to all customers. In this paper, an optimization method for coordinated active power curtailment has been developed by using Artificial bee colony method. The method is made as a three-phase model due to unbalanced loading of low voltage networks. The proposed method should increase the capacity of the network for connection of larger share of photovoltaics which enables more customers to become producers. The generation and consumption daily curve should be more balanced so it is also expected that voltage profile of the network will be improved.