Az SMART’s distributed-scale generation research has focused upon two pilot studies in Tucson and ASU’s Tempe campus.
A comprehensive framework for the modeling and management of distributed PV generation and storage units, consisting of a GIS module, an optimization module, and a simulation module has been developed as a result of the Tucson pilot study. The GIS module identifies the optimum number of PV panels to be installed on a building or within a specific area, based on geographical and physical location, plus user-defined criteria such as elevation, aspect, slope and irradiance. The optimization module calculates the total revenue for a specific type and quantity of PV installation over a finite number of years, with flexible options for incentive rates, utility rates and panel types. A simulation module evaluates the likely daily impact of distributed PV generation on an existing power system network. A report describing the framework and initial results has been completed, and will be available from this site in early 2012.
Simultaneously, the Az SMART team has attempted to determine capacity value for the PV generators installed on parking structures at ASU’s Tempe campus, taking into account different levels of storage, measured load and PV generation data. Results suggest that short-term storage filtering the fast transients in PV generation has a substantial impact on the capacity value. A probabilistic model of PV generation as a function of sky clearness and time of day has also been developed. The ASU’s Tempe campus distribution stream normally operates as four radial feeders, but has been used as the basis for a networked model containing high penetration PV. The team plans to build upon this work by hypothesizing the impact of high penetration PV upon voltage profile and fault currents, which will lead to design methods for protection in networked distribution systems.