Novel application of a PV solar plant as STATCOM (PV-STATCOM) during night and day in a distribution utility network: Part 2

This paper presents a comprehensive testing, validation and installation plan for a new technology which utilizes PV solar farm as a STATCOM both during nighttime and daytime. This technology is termed PV-STATCOM. It will be utilized in the night for power factor correction and voltage control at the terminals of an induction motor operating at poor power factor. During daytime, the same objectives will be accomplished together with production of real power from solar insolation, by utilizing the inverter capacity remaining after real power generation. The local distribution company London Hydro is implementing this new technology, for the first time in Canada, on a 10 kW solar system to be installed on the rooftop of their headquarters building in Spring 2012. The proposed new control on PV solar system will help increase the utilization of the PV solar system, improve overall electrical system performance and provide a potential of additional revenue earning for solar system for providing the above services, both during night and day.