IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v12y2019i4p652-d206868.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Reducing Voltage Volatility with Step Voltage Regulators: A Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of Korean Solar Photovoltaic Distributed Generation

Author

Listed:
  • Yu-Cheol Jeong

    (KEPCO EC (Korea Electric Power Corporation Engineering Construction), 269 Hyeoksin-ro, Gimcheon 39660, Korea)

  • Eul-Bum Lee

    (Graduate Institute of Ferrous Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Ku, Pohang 37673, Korea
    Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Ku, Pohang 37673, Korea)

  • Douglas Alleman

    (Construction Engineering and Management, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA)

Abstract

To meet the United Nation’s sustainable development energy goal, the Korean Ministry of Commerce announced they would increase renewable energy generation to 5.3% by 2029. These energy sources are often produced in small-scale power plants located close to the end users, known as distributed generation (DG). The use of DG is an excellent way to reduce greenhouse gases but has also been found to reduce power quality and safety reliability through an increase in voltage volatility. This paper performs a life-cycle cost analysis on the use of step voltage regulators (SVR) to reduce said volatility, simulating the impact they have on existing Korean solar photovoltaic (PV) DG. From the data collected on a Korean Electrical Power Corporation 30 km/8.2 megawatts (MW) feeder system, SVRs were found to increase earnings by one million USD. SVR volatile voltage mitigation increased expected earnings by increasing the estimated allowable PV power generation by 2.7 MW. While this study is based on Korean PV power generation, its findings are applicable to any DG sources worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu-Cheol Jeong & Eul-Bum Lee & Douglas Alleman, 2019. "Reducing Voltage Volatility with Step Voltage Regulators: A Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of Korean Solar Photovoltaic Distributed Generation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:4:p:652-:d:206868
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/12/4/652/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/12/4/652/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Muttaqi, K.M. & Le, An D.T. & Aghaei, J. & Mahboubi-Moghaddam, E. & Negnevitsky, M. & Ledwich, G., 2016. "Optimizing distributed generation parameters through economic feasibility assessment," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 893-903.
    2. Bernal-Agustín, José L. & Dufo-López, Rodolfo, 2006. "Economical and environmental analysis of grid connected photovoltaic systems in Spain," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(8), pages 1107-1128.
    3. Rezaee Jordehi, Ahmad, 2016. "Allocation of distributed generation units in electric power systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 893-905.
    4. Mahmud, Nasif & Zahedi, A., 2016. "Review of control strategies for voltage regulation of the smart distribution network with high penetration of renewable distributed generation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 582-595.
    5. Hittinger, Eric & Siddiqui, Jawad, 2017. "The challenging economics of US residential grid defection," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 27-35.
    6. Alanne, Kari & Saari, Arto, 2006. "Distributed energy generation and sustainable development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 10(6), pages 539-558, December.
    7. Karneyeva, Yuliya & Wüstenhagen, Rolf, 2017. "Solar feed-in tariffs in a post-grid parity world: The role of risk, investor diversity and business models," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 445-456.
    8. Kolhe, Mohanlal & Kolhe, Sunita & Joshi, J. C., 2002. "Economic viability of stand-alone solar photovoltaic system in comparison with diesel-powered system for India," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 24(2), pages 155-165, March.
    9. Audenaert, Amaryllis & De Boeck, Liesje & De Cleyn, Sven & Lizin, Sebastien & Adam, Jean-François, 2010. "An economic evaluation of photovoltaic grid connected systems (PVGCS) in Flanders for companies: A generic model," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 2674-2682.
    10. Bergek, Anna & Mignon, Ingrid & Sundberg, Gunnel, 2013. "Who invests in renewable electricity production? Empirical evidence and suggestions for further research," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 568-581.
    11. Audenaert, Amaryllis & De Boeck, Liesje & De Cleyn, Sven & Lizin, Sebastien & Adam, Jean-Franois, 2010. "An economic evaluation of photovoltaic grid connected systems (PVGCS) in Flanders for companies: a generic model," Working Papers 2010/16, Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel, Faculteit Economie en Management.
    12. Fam, Shun Deng & Xiong, Jieru & Xiong, Gordon & Yong, Ding Li & Ng, Daniel, 2014. "Post-Fukushima Japan: The continuing nuclear controversy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 199-205.
    13. Allan, Grant & Eromenko, Igor & Gilmartin, Michelle & Kockar, Ivana & McGregor, Peter, 2015. "The economics of distributed energy generation: A literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 543-556.
    14. Il-Keun Song & Won-Wook Jung & Chul-Min Chu & Seong-Soo Cho & Hyun-Koo Kang & Joon-Ho Choi, 2013. "General and Simple Decision Method for DG Penetration Level in View of Voltage Regulation at Distribution Substation Transformers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 6(9), pages 1-13, September.
    15. Abdmouleh, Zeineb & Gastli, Adel & Ben-Brahim, Lazhar & Haouari, Mohamed & Al-Emadi, Nasser Ahmed, 2017. "Review of optimization techniques applied for the integration of distributed generation from renewable energy sources," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 266-280.
    16. Esmaili, Masoud & Firozjaee, Esmail Chaktan & Shayanfar, Heidar Ali, 2014. "Optimal placement of distributed generations considering voltage stability and power losses with observing voltage-related constraints," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1252-1260.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Gregorio Fernández & Alejandro Martínez & Noemí Galán & Javier Ballestín-Fuertes & Jesús Muñoz-Cruzado-Alba & Pablo López & Simon Stukelj & Eleni Daridou & Alessio Rezzonico & Dimosthenis Ioannidis, 2021. "Optimal D-STATCOM Placement Tool for Low Voltage Grids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-31, July.
    2. Igor Cavalcante Torres & Gustavo F. Negreiros & Chigueru Tiba, 2019. "Theoretical and Experimental Study to Determine Voltage Violation, Reverse Electric Current and Losses in Prosumers Connected to Low-Voltage Power Grid," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-20, November.
    3. Jung, Seunghoon & Jeoung, Jaewon & Kang, Hyuna & Hong, Taehoon, 2021. "Optimal planning of a rooftop PV system using GIS-based reinforcement learning," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 298(C).
    4. Amro M Elshurafa & Abdel Rahman Muhsen, 2019. "The Upper Limit of Distributed Solar PV Capacity in Riyadh: A GIS-Assisted Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-20, August.
    5. Gregorio Fernández & Noemi Galan & Daniel Marquina & Diego Martínez & Alberto Sanchez & Pablo López & Hans Bludszuweit & Jorge Rueda, 2020. "Photovoltaic Generation Impact Analysis in Low Voltage Distribution Grids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-27, August.
    6. Hee-Kwan Shin & Jae-Min Cho & Eul-Bum Lee, 2019. "Electrical Power Characteristics and Economic Analysis of Distributed Generation System Using Renewable Energy: Applied to Iron and Steel Plants," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-27, November.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Hee-Kwan Shin & Jae-Min Cho & Eul-Bum Lee, 2019. "Electrical Power Characteristics and Economic Analysis of Distributed Generation System Using Renewable Energy: Applied to Iron and Steel Plants," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-27, November.
    2. Allan, Grant & Eromenko, Igor & Gilmartin, Michelle & Kockar, Ivana & McGregor, Peter, 2015. "The economics of distributed energy generation: A literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 543-556.
    3. Sommerfeldt, Nelson & Madani, Hatef, 2017. "Revisiting the techno-economic analysis process for building-mounted, grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems: Part one – Review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 1379-1393.
    4. Theo, Wai Lip & Lim, Jeng Shiun & Ho, Wai Shin & Hashim, Haslenda & Lee, Chew Tin, 2017. "Review of distributed generation (DG) system planning and optimisation techniques: Comparison of numerical and mathematical modelling methods," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 531-573.
    5. Peprah, Forson & Gyamfi, Samuel & Effah-Donyina, Eric & Amo-Boateng, Mark, 2023. "The pathway for electricity prosumption in Ghana," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    6. Razavi, Seyed-Ehsan & Rahimi, Ehsan & Javadi, Mohammad Sadegh & Nezhad, Ali Esmaeel & Lotfi, Mohamed & Shafie-khah, Miadreza & Catalão, João P.S., 2019. "Impact of distributed generation on protection and voltage regulation of distribution systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 157-167.
    7. Ruggiero, Salvatore & Varho, Vilja & Rikkonen, Pasi, 2015. "Transition to distributed energy generation in Finland: Prospects and barriers," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 433-443.
    8. Wang, Yue & Das, Ridoy & Putrus, Ghanim & Kotter, Richard, 2020. "Economic evaluation of photovoltaic and energy storage technologies for future domestic energy systems – A case study of the UK," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    9. Marcin Bukowski & Janusz Majewski & Agnieszka Sobolewska, 2020. "Macroeconomic Electric Energy Production Efficiency of Photovoltaic Panels in Single-Family Homes in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-21, December.
    10. Kaundinya, Deepak Paramashivan & Balachandra, P. & Ravindranath, N.H., 2009. "Grid-connected versus stand-alone energy systems for decentralized power--A review of literature," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(8), pages 2041-2050, October.
    11. Olivier De Groote & Frank Verboven, 2016. "Subsidies and myopia in technology adoption: evidence from solar photovoltaic systems," Working Papers of Department of Economics, Leuven 547933, KU Leuven, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Department of Economics, Leuven.
    12. Olivier De Groote & Frank Verboven, 2019. "Subsidies and Time Discounting in New Technology Adoption: Evidence from Solar Photovoltaic Systems," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 109(6), pages 2137-2172, June.
    13. Bankel, Amanda & Mignon, Ingrid, 2022. "Solar business models from a firm perspective – an empirical study of the Swedish market," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).
    14. Attia, Ahmed M. & Al Hanbali, Ahmad & Saleh, Haitham H. & Alsawafy, Omar G. & Ghaithan, Ahmed M. & Mohammed, Awsan, 2021. "A multi-objective optimization model for sizing decisions of a grid-connected photovoltaic system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    15. Valentin Bertsch & Valeria Di Cosmo, 2018. "Are Renewables Profitable in 2030? A Comparison between Wind and Solar across Europe," Working Papers 2018.28, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
    16. Pereira, Luan D.L. & Yahyaoui, Imene & Fiorotti, Rodrigo & de Menezes, Luíza S. & Fardin, Jussara F. & Rocha, Helder R.O. & Tadeo, Fernando, 2022. "Optimal allocation of distributed generation and capacitor banks using probabilistic generation models with correlations," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 307(C).
    17. Polzin, Friedemann & Egli, Florian & Steffen, Bjarne & Schmidt, Tobias S., 2019. "How do policies mobilize private finance for renewable energy?—A systematic review with an investor perspective," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 236(C), pages 1249-1268.
    18. Rodrigues, Sandy & Chen, Xiaoju & Morgado-Dias, F., 2017. "Economic analysis of photovoltaic systems for the residential market under China's new regulation," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 467-472.
    19. Ibrahim Alotaibi & Mohammed A. Abido & Muhammad Khalid & Andrey V. Savkin, 2020. "A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances in Smart Grids: A Sustainable Future with Renewable Energy Resources," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-41, November.
    20. Vikas Singh Bhadoria & Nidhi Singh Pal & Vivek Shrivastava, 2019. "Artificial immune system based approach for size and location optimization of distributed generation in distribution system," International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, Springer;The Society for Reliability, Engineering Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM),India, and Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, vol. 10(3), pages 339-349, June.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:4:p:652-:d:206868. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.