Tag Archives: linkedin

Solar Photovoltaic Inverters and Ride-Through Capability

In study after study, we (Pterra) are encountering this seemingly mounting issue of ride-through capability in solar photovoltaic (“PV”) inverters. For now, the matter is isolated to frequency ride-through in small grids such as those that may be found in the Hawaiian islands. However, there is potential for this to be critical in even larger systems as the number of inverter-based PV arrays interconnecting to existing distribution and transmission systems increases. Continue reading

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Can wind turbines and solar inverters contribute to frequency control?

Renewable energy resources such as solar and wind, produce power in a manner that generally does not contribute to frequency control of interconnected power systems. However, both wind turbines and solar inverters have the important characteristic of fast, programmable controls. The question then comes up: Is it possible for these power sources to participate in frequency control response of interconnections? Continue reading

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Integrating Solar PV Power with Existing Distribution Circuits; Part 1

A wave of new solar photovoltaic (“PV”) installations for power generation is hitting many distribution circuits around the country.  These installations are typically in the range of 10-2000 kW and comprise of a set of solar PV arrays or trays … Continue reading

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Transient Overvoltages in Wind Farms, and a Case Study

In various Blogs on this site, we have talked about unique technical issues associated with integrating wind farms into existing grids.  This Blog now addresses the matter of transient overvoltages, or TOV, specifically with respect to potential risks to customers … Continue reading

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Training Schedules for Generation X

Pterra conducts training in power technology subjects, not as a primary line, but in response to a perceived need.  Occasionally, work in analytical consulting leads to knowledge and skills that clients and associates desire to acquire.  And we are more … Continue reading

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Report from the 2011 PSLF Users’ Group Meeting

by Ric Austria If only for this one new feature, the trip to attend the meeting (held April 28-29 in sunny Orlando, Florida) was worth it.  The new feature is … PSLF now allows “continuous” tap solutions for phase angle … Continue reading

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Two Conferences in April and May 2011

In the coming weeks, we are looking forward to participating in two conferences.  Both are related to the power industry albeit in vastly different aspects. The first conference is the 2011 GE-PSLF User’s Conference, April 28-29 in Orlando, FL. General … Continue reading

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Integrating Solar Photovoltaics and Other Renewables in Distribution Systems

Distributed generation (DG) has become a viable option and is gaining wider acceptance to utilities, customers, and independent power producers. While DG offers many advantages, the interconnecting utility typically requires a system impact study for interconnecting DG to the existing … Continue reading

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Revised Spring 2011 Training Course Schedule

After all the winter storms and events, we have finally gotten around to finalizing the spring course schedule.  The nodal pricing and transmission planning courses are cancelled due to lack of interest.  We shortened the power flow course to 3 days.  Happily, we … Continue reading

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Distributed Generation: Interconnection Steady State Impact

Jingjia Chen, Ketut Dartawan, Ricardo Austria Distributed generators (DGs) are small generating units that are connected to the distribution network at voltages below 69 kV. DG units usually have capacities of 10MW or less, and are based on different energy … Continue reading

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