Technical Requirements for Connecting Solar Power Plants to Electricity Networks

What is it about?

This chapter discusses basics of the technical design specifications, criteria, technical terms and equipment parameters required to connect solar power plants to electricity networks. Depending on its capacity, the solar power plant can be connected to Low Voltage (LV) distribution networks, Medium Voltage (MV) distribution networks, or High Voltage (HV) transmission networks. Successful connection of a Medium-Scale Solar Plant (MSSP) should satisfy requirements of both the Solar Energy Grid Connection Code (SEGCC) and the appropriate code: the Electricity Distribution Code (EDC) or the Grid Code (GC) as the connection level apply. Connection of a Large-Scale Solar Plant (LSSP) to the transmission network should satisfy the requirements of both SEGCC and the GC. For Small-Scale Photovoltaic (SSPV), the connection should satisfy both the SSPV connection code and the EDC. The solar plants connection codes specify the special requirements for the connection of LSSP, MSSPs and LSSPs to the appropriate electricity networks. The EDC stipulates the technical and legal relationship between the Distribution System Operator (DSO) and the distribution network users. The GC stipulates the technical and legal relationship between the Transmission System Operator (TSO) and the transmission network users. The objectives of these codes are to establish the obligations and responsibilities of each party; i.e. the operators, and all network users. Users of the network are subscribers, bulk-load customers, electricity producers, and others. This will lead to improved security, higher reliability and maintaining optimal operation of the power system. The technical specifications include permitted voltage and frequency variations in addition to power quality measures such as limits of harmonic distortion, phase unbalance, and flickers. Operational limits and capability requirements of the SSPV, MSSP and LSSP will be explained and discussed. Solar power grid connection codes of Egypt are explored first. Finally, brief comparisons of some rules in the PV grid connection codes - and related codes - of the UK, Germany and Egypt are presented.

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Why is it important?

This chapter has explored technical design specifications, criteria, technical terms and equipment parameters required to connect Medium-Scale & Large-Scale Solar Plants (MSSP & LSSP) to the electricity networks. The specifications, terms and parameters have been extracted from the connection code of the MSSP & LSSP, electricity distribution code and grid code. Technical background of these specifications has been discussed in detail. Comparisons of some important rules in the PV grid connection codes of UK, Germany, USA, and Egypt have been described. The technical specifications and design criteria presented here are of great importance for planning, design, installations, testing, commissioning and operation and engineers working in the field of connecting MSSP and LSSP systems to the transmission or distribution grids.

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