Analysis of power quality issues due to the proposed solar power plants in Hambantota

Abstract

Solar power plants, despite their high initial investment are fast spreading in Asian countries owing to the availability of higher solar radiation throughout the day time. In Sri Lanka, two grid connected small scale solar power plants of 737 kW, 500 kW are already in operation located in Baruthankanda, Hambantota. Three private developers have made proposals for another 30 MW solar plants, (each 10 MW) near the existing plants which would be directly connected to 33kV Bus at Hambantota GSS. However, unpredictable variations in the source of energy and power electronic converters of such a large solar power plant can create a significant impact on the existing power system in power quality point of view. This thesis describes the details of a study carried out on the probable impacts on power quality at the GSS due to random fluctuation of solar radiation level for different systemdesign options of the proposed 30 MW plant. Standards IEEE 519-1992 and IEEE 1547- 2003 were used in the power quality check-up.