A Technical investigation of the Impacts of PV location and the Role of BESS on stability of the Grid: A case of a Cameroonian Network

Abstract

As solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies continue to evolve; their integration into electric grids demands precise modelling to preserve system stability. Currently, the Cameroonian Southern Interconnected Network (SIN) lacks solar PV interconnection. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the impacts of PV integration on the stability of the Cameroonian southern interconnected network (SIN), and to determine the impact of energy storage in seamless PV integration. The specific objectives were: to develop detailed models of both the SIN using collected data and a 30 MW grid-tied PV system for impacts analysis; to assess the influence of PV with battery storage location on grid stability. Data was obtained from energy of Cameroon records and interviews of energy professionals. Modelling and simulations were conducted using distribution system simulator (DSS for the SIN) and PVSyst (for the PV system). The 30 MW PV location scenarios were simulated. Locating three PV plants at three different places in the distribution network was found to be the best scenario, and achieved highest reductions in power losses, voltage deviation index (VDI), and voltage violation index (VVI) of 2.261 MW, 0.23% and 0.56% respectively. This paper gives insights of roadmap to PV integration into the SIN and recommends more of this type of studies for the country in order to accelerate the integration process.