Reactive power capability analysis of a photovoltaic generator for large scale power plants

Currently, the installation of photovoltaic power plants (PVPPs) integrated with the transmission system is becoming common. This interconnection must obey the grid codes of the transmission system operator. The requirements of these grid codes are related to the response during faults, frequency, voltage support, and the regulation of active and reactive power. Because of these requirements, it is necessary to analyse the limitations of the photovoltaic (PV) generators. Accordingly, this paper focuses on the mathematical analysis of the reactive power capability curve of a PV generator considering the variation of solar radiation and temperature. In addition, a PVPP of 1 MW is modelled and simulated in DiGSILENT PowerFactory validating the results.