Energy accounting in presence of unbalances: The case study of a Photovoltaic plant

In the paper the authors discuss about the numerical analysis of specific problems regarding the energy accounting operated under unbalanced conditions. The considered case study refers to grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) plants. In several countries fiscal incentives support the use of alternative energy sources; so that, as in Italy, national incentives have entailed a wide dissemination of PV-plants. Specific procedures and contractual conditions regulate the connection of the energy production plants to the national electric grid. In several countries, monopoly of energy supply is cause of an inadequate market which does not safeguard the user. In the paper specific problems affecting the energy accounting in presence of unbalanced generation are characterized. Numerical results are adopted for the analysis. In detail the authors deal with the gaps of the current metrics used for the electrical energy accounting. Therefore technical and economic aspects are considered according to the IEEE Standard 1459.