Solar power variations in the regulation and sub-regulation time frames

Tom L Acker, David M. Willy, Ronald K. Flood

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Solar irradiance, as measured by a single pyranometer, can vary in excess of 80% from one second to the next, due to clouds passing over the sensor. This variation in irradiance translates directly into variation in power output of a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, though the large size of the plant compared to the sensor decreases the rate of these fluctuations due to spatial smoothing. In order to characterize the nature of these variations, a method of splitting-out PV power fluctuations into the 1-minute “regulation” and the sub 1-minute "sub-regulation" time scales is proposed. Results for a 2.6-MW PV power plant owned by Arizona Public Service Company are presented, focusing on 1-minute and 1-second fluctuations and related ramp rates. While many short, high magnitude ramps were experienced at the plant, none of them adversely affected voltages levels at the point of interconnect, the distribution feeder or the transmission substation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication43rd ASES National Solar Conference 2014, SOLAR 2014, Including the 39th National Passive Solar Conference and the 2nd Meeting of Young and Emerging Professionals in Renewable Energy
PublisherAmerican Solar Energy Society
Pages503-510
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781510801790
StatePublished - 2014
Event43rd ASES National Solar Conference 2014, SOLAR 2014, Including the 39th National Passive Solar Conference and the 2nd Meeting of Young and Emerging Professionals in Renewable Energy - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Jul 6 2014Jul 10 2014

Publication series

Name43rd ASES National Solar Conference 2014, SOLAR 2014, Including the 39th National Passive Solar Conference and the 2nd Meeting of Young and Emerging Professionals in Renewable Energy
Volume1

Other

Other43rd ASES National Solar Conference 2014, SOLAR 2014, Including the 39th National Passive Solar Conference and the 2nd Meeting of Young and Emerging Professionals in Renewable Energy
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period7/6/147/10/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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