A

Seminar Report on
GRID INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
A REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENTS OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

GUIDIED BY SUBMITTED BY
M.G.SONI SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR B.E. Final Year
R.NO-16EEL34049

Department of Electrical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering College

M.B.M Engineering College

J.N.V University , Jodhpur 2018-1

i
 DECLARATION
This is to declare that the seminar report Entitled "Grid
Integration of Renewable Energy Sources" is submitted for
the partial fulfilment of the requirements of degree of
Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from
Electrical Engineering department, M.B.M. Engineering
College, Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur and a record of
the seminar work i carried out under supervision of Prof.
M.G. SONI . To the best of my knowledge, this seminar report
has not been submitted earlier for the award of any
degree/diploma by me or any other student.

Submitted by
SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA
Date:-

ii
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the seminar report entitled “Grid

Integration of Renewable Energy Sources” submitted
by SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA With Roll No: 16EEL34049 is a
record of work carried out by him in partial fulfilment of the
requirement for the award of the degree of “BACHELOR OF
ENGINEERING IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING”.

Date: 09/04/2019
Place: MBM JODHPUR

COUNTERSIGNED BY
Head of Department Guided by

Dr. JAYASHRI VAJPAI M.G.SONI

Professor Associate Professor

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my guide Prof.M.G.SONI

for initiating me in to this very interesting topic and providing me with
the guidance and know-how necessary for completing this seminar.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our HOD, Dr. JAYASHRI
VAJPAI Electrical Engineering Department for providing all the
facilities required for our studies. I also wish to express my gratitude
to the entire lab technician, for providing all possible help for my
seminar work. I wish to express my gratitude to all the faculty
members of our department for their continuous support and
encouragement. Finally I would like to thank all my friends for their
continuous love and support.

SANDEEP KUMAR MEENA

B.E.Final Year
Roll No. – 16EEL34049

iv
 ABSTRACT
-India is considering renewable energy resources (RES) like
solar and wind as alternative for future energy needs. As on
March 31, 2012 the grid interactive power generation from
RES is 24914 MW i.e. around 12.1 % of the total installed
energy capacity.Further Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (MNRE), Government of India is targeting to achieve
20000 MW grid interactive power through solar and 38500
MW from wind by 2022. However there are various issues
related to grid integration of RES keeping in the view of
aforesaid trends it becomes necessary to investigate the
possible solutions for these issues. Integration of renewable
energy sources to utility grid depends on the scale of power
generation. Large scale power generations are connected to
transmission systems where as small scale distributed power
generation is connected to distribution systems. There are
certain challenges in the integration of both types of systems
directly. This paper presents the some issues and challenges
encountered during grid integration of different renewable
energy sources with some possible solutions.

v
 CONTENTS

Declaration ii
Certificate iii
Acknowledgement iv
Abstract v
Table of Contents vi-vii
Table of figures viii

CHAPTER PAGE NO.

1. Introduction 1-2
2. Literature Review 3-4
3. The Indian Power System
3.1 structure of Indian power grid 5
3.2 Institutional Framework for Management 6
0f grid operation
4. Operation of the grid 7
4.1 Day Ahead scheduling 7
4.2 Frequency Management 7-9
4.3 Deviation settlement 9 -11
4.4 violation of deviation limits and ways 11-14
To reduce them

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5. Grid Integration overview of grid Issues 15
5.1 New Renewable Energy Generation 15-16
5.2 New Transmission 16
5.3 Increased System flexibillity 16-17
5.4 Planning for a High RE Future 17-18
6. Grid Operation , Problem and Solutions
6.1Grid Operation with High Penetration 19
Of Renewable
6.1.1 Characterstics of Renewable Generation 19-20
6.1.2 Grid Operation with high penetration of RE 21 - 22
Problem & solutions
6.2Problem and Challenges 23- 24
6.3 Possible Solutions 24 - 25
Conclusions 26
References 27- 28

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 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURES P.NO

1. Grid Integration of Renewable 4

Energy Sources layout

2. Relation of the component in day 10

Ahead schedule of the state

3. Relation of Deviation of component in day 10

Ahead schedule of the state

4. Maximum and Minimum Frequency of Indian 14

Grid since april 2004

5. A Vision of how sees Energy in future 2050 18

6. Wind and Solar Generation Pattern in Gujrat 20

In March and September

7. Load curve of India without and with 20 GW 22

Of solar capacity

viii
ix
 CHAPTER – 1
INTRODUCTION

Grid Use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is increasing drastically

due to depletion of fossil fuels and associated environmental
problems. Since most of the renewable energy sources are
intermittent in nature therefore it becomes a challenging task to
integrate RES into the power grid infrastructure [1]. This trends leads
to numerous technical and non-technical challenges. For maintaining
a reliable and cost effective supply, new efforts have to be undertaken
for the management of energy networks, integration of RES and DO in
the distribution networks, for generation and load management and
for a range of other technical and socio economic aspects of
decentralized energy markets. In this paper PV and wind energy
sources have been considered under study. The increasing
penetration level of PV and wind systems is raising the concerns of
some utilities due to the possible negative impacts of the power
fluctuations generated from these systems on the network operation
[2]. Also, the fluctuation in the power of these systems can lead to
unstable operation of the electric network prior to the fault
conditions, high power swings in the feeders [3] and unacceptable
voltage fluctuations at certain nodes in the electric network [4].
Moreover, the random fluctuations of the power output generated
these systems does not allow for considering them in the scheduling
process of electricity generation. This report is organized as follows:
chapter 2 presents the literature review pertaining to the integration
of renewable energy sources. Chapter 3 presents Indian power system
and chapter 4 operation of the grid also grid operation with high
penetration of RE. Integration is overview of grid Issues is discussed
in chapter 5. Problem and challenge are presented in chapter 7. Some
possible solutions are proposed in chapter 7. A Conclusion followed
by the references is discussed in Section 8 & 9 reapectively.

1
This report is an attempt in that direction. We begin with an
explanation of the structure of the Indian power grid, its institutional
setup as well as its daily operations. With increasing renewables, we
examine the potential rise in challenges to grid operation at the
transmission level, and ways to mitigate such challenges through
effective grid integration of renewables. This report look at the
operational issues at the transmission planning or distribution system
levels.
The focus of the report is on forecasting and scheduling of renewable
power, one of the key starting points to minimise grid imbalance and
aid effective integration. The report analyses the various steps at the
Central and State levels towards initialising forecasting and scheduling
of renewables in the country. It also examines the various supporting
initiatives adopted by ERCs and policy makers towards easing grid
integration. This analysis is also informed by focused discussions with
a key sector stakeholder, notably grid operators. We conclude by
outlining some potential suggestions and ideas for easing the
challenges of grid integration. This report is being released as a
working paper given the various changes which are underway in the
regulations and policies related to grid operation.

2
 CHAPTER – 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
In this report a literature review is carried out related to grid
integration of RES. Number of authors/researchers has presented the
various issues, challenges and their possible solutions in the context
of grid integration. The variability of wind power limits its grid
penetration and increases costs. At high penetration levels, the
variable output of wind requires utilities to dedicate much of their
available reserve generation capacity to accommodate this variability.
This paper [5] presents research on improving wind energy integration
through more effective coordination of traditional generation
resources and energy storage systems that can optimize wind energy
production while also increasing the predictability of wind farm
output. The increasing use of the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and
the intermittency of the power generated by them create stability,
reliability and power quality problems in the main electrical grid . The
micro grid is called to be a feasible alternative to solve these issues. As
it is a weak electrical grid, the micro grid is very sensitive to load or
generation changes. To reduce the effect of these variations and to
better harness the energy generated by RES, the Energy Storage
Systems (ESS) are used. As the different ESS technologies that are
currently available are not enough to satisfy the wide frequency
spectrum of the generated energy, the use of a Hybrid Energy Storage
System (HESS) is necessary. A HESS is usually formed by two
complementary storage devices that can be associated in many
different topologies. Of course, the two devices have to be
coordinated by an Energy Management System (EMS). In this work the
different topologies and energy management algorithms that have
been applied in the RES and micro grid contexts have been analysis
and compared. The micro grid can operate both connected to the
main grid and in islanding mode. This system is used to overcome the

3
intermittency and uncertainty of the RES. The power converters are
used as interfaces between the ESS and the micro grid, to control the
power flow of the storage devices and operate the system optimally.
However, the power losses of the converters (mainly switching losses)
and their economical cost are limiting factors for their use. Although
there are methods like the soft-switching designed to reduce the
switching losses of the PCS, depending on the application, in some
cases it is more economical not to use opration it.
“Can Renewables deliver our energy, not only in significant amounts
and at an acceptable price, but also in the right form, at the right
palace.

Fig 1 : Grid Integration of Renewable Energy sources layout

4
 CHAPTER – 3
The Indian Power System

3.1 Structure of the Indian Power Grid

The Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) defines the power system as all
aspects of generation, transmission, distribution and supply of
electricity. The transmission network in India consists of the inter-
regional networks, the inter-state networks which connect two states,
and the intra-state networks which exist within a particular state. The
Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) is the Central Transmission
Utility (CTU) that owns, operates, maintains and plans the inter-
regional and inter-state transmission networks, whereas the intra-
state transmission networks are owned, operated, maintained and
planned by the State Transmission Utilities (STU). As of April 2016,
India had about 330,000 circuit kilometre (ckm) of AC and High-
Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines. At the end of the 12th five-year
plan, transmission lines are expected to expand to about 348,000 ckm
of AC and HVDC lines.
For operational and planning purposes, the transmission network is
divided into five regions, namely Northern (NR), Eastern (ER), North
Eastern (NER), Southern (SR) and Western (WR). While four regions
were interconnected with each other over time from 1991 to 2006,
the southern grid was fully connected to the rest of the grid in January
2014 (Powergrid). This integration has made the Indian grid one of the
largest operating synchronous grids in the world, with about 300 GW
(April 16) of installed power capacity.7 In general, all the state owned
generating stations are connected to the intra-state transmission
network (InSTS), and the centrally owned inter-state generating
stations (ISGS) are connected to the inter-state transmission system
(ISTS). The ISGS can have shares of their capacity allocated to different
states. Distribution of the electricity to end consumers is carried out
by the distribution utilities connected to the intra-state network .
5
3.2 Institutional Framework for Management of Grid
Operation
The PGCIL established the Power System Operation Corporation
(POSOCO) of India in 2010 for the purpose of power management and
an efficient operation of the grid. This apex body for power system
operation consists of the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) and
five Regional Load Dispatch Centres (RLDCs) which coordinate
electricity dispatch across the country. For operational and planning
purposes, each RLDC controls each regional grid formed by the ISTS.
Each state grid formed by InSTS is controlled by the State Load
Dispatch Centre (SLDC). While SLDCs are independent organisations,
they work in close coordination with their respective RLDCs for
ensuring optimal operations and take directives from the RLDCs.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is the apex body
involved in framing various operational and commercial rules and
regulations at the central level which apply to the ISTS. Important
amongst these are the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) and the
Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) regulations. State Electricity
Regulatory Commissions (SERC) formulate the rules for operation of
the grid within the state using CERC laid norms as guidelines.
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is responsible for defining
standards for operation of the transmission system, power plants, and
safety requirements for operation and maintenance of the electrical
transmission system and plants. For each region, a Regional Power
Committee (RPC) is formed by the CEA. The RPC analyses the
performance of the transmission system and generation stations,
plans the inter-state and intra-state transmission systems, carries out
stability studies, and is responsible for the commercial accounting of
electricity at the region

6
 CHAPTER – 4
Operation of the grid

The grid operation in India over an entire day is divided into 96 blocks
of 15 minutes each, starting from 12:00 am to 11:45 pm. Grid
operation is based on the operation codes mentioned in the IEGC and
State Grid Codes with an aim to increase the overall operational
reliability and economy of the entire grid. The operation codes contain
guidelines and rules for controlling voltage levels and frequency within
acceptable limits. Deviation limits for the voltage levels (765KV to
33KV) are stated in the grid codes in order to avoid unwanted
disconnection of the network and voltage collapse in view of the
security of the grid.

4.1 Day Ahead Scheduling

In India, the day ahead scheduling process forms the backbone of grid
operation, both at the intra-state and inter-state network levels. This
process is aimed at optimal scheduling and dispatch of the electricity
for the next day (CERC, 2010). SLDC coordinates the day ahead
scheduling process for beneficiaries and generators connected to
InSTS, and RLDC coordinates this process for beneficiaries and ISGS
connected to ISTS. To participate in the day ahead scheduling process,
the beneficiaries and the generators use forecasting methods to
predict their demand and generation for the next day respectively.
These details are sent to the respective scheduling entity, SLDC or
RLDC.how the day ahead scheduling process is executed on day N
when actual delivery of electric is to happen on day N+1.

4.2 Frequency Management

The voltage and frequency of the grid are the two basic and important
indicators of the health of the grid. Maintaining constant voltage and

7
frequency (within a certain tolerance level) over time are important
for the reliable and secure operation of the grid. The deviation of the
frequency can occur due to short-run differences between generation
and demand.
Before the year 2000, generators were paid based on a single part
tariff, i.e. only based on energy generation. Such a framework did not
provide any incentive for increasing generation during peak demand
or reducing it during off-peak hours, thereby encouraging grid
indiscipline. This was reflected in the poor frequency profile during
these years. To overcome this limitation, an Availability Based Tariff
(ABT) mechanism was introduced in 2000. This trifurcated the existing
single part payment for energy into:
a) Capacity or fixed charge to be paid based on availability,
b) Energy or variable charge to be paid on the basis of scheduled
energy and
c) Unscheduled Interchange (UI) as a penalty mechanism for deviation
from generation/drawal schedule. Instituting ABT significantly
improved the grid frequency profile and grid discipline in the following
years.
Since 2009, the CERC began issuing separate UI regulations, which
until then were specified as part of the Tariff Regulations. They
introduced volume limits for the first time, though restricted only for
buyers. Specifically, “The over-drawal of electricity from the schedule
by any beneficiary or a buyer during a time-block shall not exceed 12%
of its scheduled drawal or 150 MW (whichever is lower) when
frequency is below 49.5 Hz, and 3% on a daily aggregate basis.” (CERC,
2009) These regulations (with later amendments) remained in place
until 2014. In the later years, the UI mechanism was being incorrectly
used by various states like a trading platform (very high over and
under drawals) resulting in grid instability. Hence, it was replaced by
the Deviation Settlement Mechanism Regulations in order to further
improve grid discipline and stability, and avoid large scale blackouts
like the ones experienced in July 2012. Importantly, it brought in
8
stricter volume limits, both for over/under drawal by states as well as
over/under injection by the ISGS (seller). Additionally, no deviation
charges were payable for over-injection by sellers and under-drawal
by buyers beyond the stated volume limits unlike the UI mechanism.
The UI penalty is linked to frequency and is structured such that the
further the frequency is from the desired 50 Hz, the higher is the
penalty. This led to smaller volumes of overdrawal by states and
improved grid frequency. (energysector.in, 2014)

4.3 Deviation Settlement

The total demand of the state is the sum of the demand from
distribution utilities and open access consumers. This total demand is
served from generation within the state and import from other states
or ISGS connected to the interstate network. The schedule can be
represented by the following equation given in Figure 2. However, in
real time, the events like increased or lower demand, weather
changes, generator outages, and network constraints lead to entities
deviating from their scheduled drawl and generation within the state
and at the regional level. Equation for the deviations is as follows,
where Dev_X = Scheduled_X- Actual_X. (Figure 3)
Such deviations are penalised as per the DSM mechanism, which do
not allow over/under drawal above 12% of the schedule or 150 MW,
whichever is lower within a frequency band of 49.7 – 50.1 Hz. More
importantly, this hard limit of 150 MWs “shall apply to the sum total
of over-drawal by all the intra-state entities in the state including the
distribution companies and other intra-state buyers, and shall be
applicable at the inter-state boundary of the respective state”. (DSM
principal regs, 2014)..

9
Fig 2- Relation of componant in day ahead schedule of the state

Fig 3-Relation of Deviations of componant in day ahead schedule of

the state

Under the DSM mechanism, each state and ISGS is charged for
deviating from its scheduled drawl or generation in each of 15 minute
96 blocks in a day. The deviation penalty is calculated by the RPC on a
weekly basis, based on deviation charges notified in the CERC-DSM
regulations since February 2014. The DSM mechanism is a part of the
inter-state ABT mechanism for regional entities. The account which is
used for transactions related to deviation charges, reactive charges or
the congestion charge of the regional entity is known as the regional
pool account. The state is paid for under drawl, charged for over
drawl, while the generator is paid for over injection, and charged for
under injection. Outside the deviation limits (minimum of 12% of
schedule or 150 MW), the state and the generator incur additional
deviation charges.
States try to minimise the state deviation at its boundary. The
deviation can be minimised by minimising the deviation of each entity
like distribution utilities drawal and generators injection, and by using
intra-state ABT (if present) within the state. The intra-state ABT
mechanism uses deviation settlement mechanism for the state
entities like state generators, distribution utilities, and open access

10
consumers. The deviation settlement mechanism within the state
operates exactly like that at the regional level The account which is
used for transactions related to deviation charges, reactive charges or
the congestion charge of state entities like state generators and
distribution utilities is known as state pool account. For settling of the
deviation within the state, the intra-state ABT mechanism is
recommended for all states since 2002-03. However, only six states,
namely Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal
and Chattisgarh have implemented the intra-state ABT mechanism
(Ministry of Power, 2016) (FoR, 2016). The intra-state ABT mechanism
increases the cooperation between state entities like distribution
utilities and state generators to minimise the state deviation at state
periphery level (MERC, 2014).

4.4 Violation of Deviation Limits and Ways to Reduce

Them
The operating frequency band has improved from roughly 48.75 Hz to
50.5 Hz in 2004, to the present operating frequency band of 49.7 Hz
to 50.3 Hz in 2015, chiefly due to the implementation of the inter-state
ABT mechanism at the regional level and subsequent amendments in
the deviation settlement mechanism from UI to DSM. (Ministry of
Power, 2016)
However, while the frequency profile has improved tremendously,
most states continue to consistently violate the volume limit of 150
MW (CERC, 2015). In 2014-15, the maximum range of the state
deviation for over drawl and under drawl for some states (Rajasthan,
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh) were
550MW-2100MW and 1000-2400MW respectively, exceeding the
deviation volume limits many times over. (CERC, 2015) The reason for
such high deviations are mainly, “absence of or poor load forecasting,
lack of planning, procedures for calling in reserves and non-adherence
to schedule by grid-connected entities such as conventional generators
and DISCOMs in the state”. (CERC, 2015) To determine the significant
contributor to such high deviations, POSOCO carried out an analysis

11
for 2013- 14 for Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. “The results for correlation
of schedule deviations with change in demand vs. change in
conventional generation vs. change in wind generation were studied.
It was observed that
there was little correlation of observed deviations on state boundary
with change in wind generation, instead, much higher correlation was
observed with demand change”. (CERC, 2015) In both states, it was
observed that demand changes affect deviations by an order of
magnitude higher than that due to wind generation. Deviations
continue to occur in windy and non-windy seasons as well as in states
with high or low RE capacity. However, several RE-rich states like
Gujarat disagree with the above POSOCO analysis, maintaining that
wind and solar power contribute to state deviations resulting in a
financial burden on the state pool. Other states like Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu also have expressed difficulty
in managing solar and wind power and sought special dispensations
for them.

4.4.1 Demand Forecasting

As noted above, the primary cause for deviations is a lack of scientific
and rigorous demand forecasting by load serving entities in many
states. The CERC has strongly noted that “long, medium and short
term load forecasting and generation planning, peak vs. off-peak
planning, streamlined energy accounting for all entities, RE forecasting
and scheduling - these are critical and fundamental steps for sound
grid management. There cannot be any excuse for not undertaking
each one of these actions at the state level, and thereafter not taking
responsibility for grid indiscipline that results due to absence of the
above.” The MoP has directed all the distribution utilities to
implement load forecasting for their utility by 1.6.2016. (Ministry of
Power, 2016)

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4.4.2 Reserves
In IEGC, the envisioned frequency band is 49.9 Hz - 50.05 Hz. For
correcting the frequency closer to the standard value of 50Hz,
different types of frequency control mechanisms are used at the
generator level. In India, only primary control of frequency is present
with the generator. Primary control responds to frequency deviation
within one minute. (Ministry of Power, 2016) At present, though the
primary control brings the frequency closer to the standard value of
50Hz, it does not restore the frequency value to exactly 50Hz. Figure
3 shows the maximum and minimum frequency of the Indian grid
since April 2004. To restore the frequency accurately to 50 Hz,
secondary frequency control reserves are needed. These reserves
require Automatic Generation Control (AGC) implemented at the
generator level and operated by the LDC. The CERC has set a target of
implementing the AGC at all regional generators by 1.4.2017. (CERC,
2015) Implementing the AGC will result in support from the
generation if the demand is greater than the generation. In addition
to improving the frequency profile of the system, it will also help in
maintaining the inter-regional line flows close to the schedule. This is
an important step to move towards realising a narrower band of
frequency around the standard frequency of 50Hz of the Indian grid.
This would need some infrastructure updates by both the generator
as well as the LDC to enable the LDC to send control signals to the
generator in its control area though appropriate communication
infrastructure.

13
mechanism will help in achieving the greater economy and efficiency of the system.

Figure 4-Maximum and Minimum frequency of the Indian grid since

april 2004

14
 CHAPTER - 5

Grid Integration Overview of Grid Issues

To foster sustainable, low-emission development, many
countries are establishing ambitious renewable energy targets
for their electricity supply. Because solar and wind tend to be
more variable and uncertain than conventional sources, meeting
these targets will involve changes to power system planning and
operations. Grid integration is the practice of developing efficient
ways to deliver variable renewable energy (RE) to the
grid. Robust integration methods maximize the cost-
effectiveness of incorporating variable RE into the power system
while maintaining or increasing system stability and reliability.
Grid integration spans a variety of issues, including:

5.1 New Renewable Energy Generation

Power system planners can secure and sustain investment in
new variable RE generation by aligning targets and incentives
with grid integration considerations. Long-term, aspirational
renewable energy targets establish a vision that can drive
innovation in the policies and system operations that support
clean energy. Also critical are “grid-aware” incentives (e.g.,
rewarding wind and solar generators that incorporate
technologies that contribute to grid stability), which both motivate
investment in renewable energy and mitigate negative impacts
of integrating these resources to the grid.
As planners consider scaling up variable RE generation, the
inherent variability of wind and solar resources complicates
evaluations of whether a system with significant variable RE has
adequate supply to meet long- utilities and power system
operators to use wind and solar to reliably meet electricity
demand. term electricity demand. A variety of approaches exist
for estimating the capacity value of variable RE, as well as
techniques that enable

15
Integrating distributed photovoltaic (PV) solar power results in
unique benefits and challenges compared to the integration of
utility-scale wind and solar power. Significant localized growth in
PV can raise concerns such as voltage violations and reverse
power flow in low-voltage distribution systems. However, various
studies have shown that positive impacts (e.g., reduced line
losses and avoided generation costs) can also result from
distributed PV. Updating interconnection standards, procedures,
and distribution planning methodologies to better reflect the
characteristics of distributed PV can help realize these benefits
and delay or even prevent the need for grid reinforcement.

5.2 New Transmission

Scaling up variable RE generation requires grid expansion and
upgrades so that power systems can access high-quality solar
and wind resources, which are often remote from existing
transmission networks. A well-crafted combination of policies,
rules, and procedures (designed, for example, through an "RE
Zones" approach) encourages investment in large-scale
transmission expansion. These measures not only improve the
utilization of variable RE, but also potentially defer the need for
network refurbishment.

5.3 Increased System Flexibility

Accessing sources of operational flexibility becomes
increasingly important in systems with significant grid-connected
solar and wind energy. System operating procedures and market
practices—especially the implementation of forecasting, faster
scheduling, ancillary services, and grid codes and power
purchase agreements—are often among the least-cost options
for unlocking significant flexibility without significant investments
in new physical infrastructure. Another important institutional
flexibility option is operational coordination between balancing
authority areas, which enables sharing of resources through

16
reserve sharing, coordinated scheduling, and/or consolidated
operation.
Other sources of flexibility include flexible conventional
generation and transmission networks. Additionally, demand
response and storage are emerging as tools for increasing
flexibility at very high penetrations of variable RE.
Options for procuring flexibility vary based on the regulatory
context. For vertically integrated utilities, contractual or policy
mechanisms provide the primary basis for encouraging the
uptake of flexibility measures. In contrast, partially- or wholly-
restructured power markets motivate flexibility through
incentives and market design mechanisms, such as sub-hourly
dispatch, ancillary services markets, and price-responsive
demand.

5.4 Planning for a High RE Future

alleviate those constraints. Robust grid integration studies are
based on significant stakeholder input, along with a broad set
of foundational data. In any power system, planning activities
include assessing long-range demand and evaluating options for
expanding capacity and transmission. With the introduction of
significant variable RE generation, power systems
planning increasingly focuses on evaluating options for
increasing flexibility across the power system.
Grid integration studies help establish the flexibility requirements
and build confidence among investors and operators that the
power system can be operated reliably at increased variable RE
levels. A grid integration study simulates the operation of the
power system under various scenarios, identifies potential
constraints to reliability, and evaluates the cost of actions to
Although grid integration studies usually include production cost
simulations to model unit commitment and economic dispatch,
determining the system-wide costs of integrating solar and wind
power is much more challenging. The full costs and value of
variable RE assets to the power system depend on dynamic and
complex interactions among these generators and a system’s
loads, reserves, thermal generators, and transmission networks.
17
Grid integration studies illuminate the obstacles and
opportunities that wind and solar integration could a power
system, helping to dispel grid power system.

Fig 5. A Vision of how sees energy future in 2050

18
 CHAPTER – 6
GRID OPERATION ,PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONS

6.1 Grid Operation with High Penetration of

Renewable

6.1.1 Characteristics of Renewable Generation

A basic characteristic of the renewable sources (especially wind and
solar) is that they are dependent on weather conditions, making their
generation output variable in nature. For example, solar power output
is dependent on the irradiation and temperature of the location which
vary on an hourly, daily, seasonal and annual basis. Generally, the
peak solar power is generated at noon, while the peak wind power
periods may vary by season. Figure 6 shows patterns of wind and solar
generation in Gujarat state for the months of September and March.
Secondly, depending on the extent of forecasting accuracy, there is a
degree of uncertainty in this variable generation. (Arriaga, 2011) Such
variability and a lack of or low accuracy of forecasting can potentially
contribute to deviations from the schedule.

19
Figure 6 : Wind and Solar Generation Pattern in Gujarat in March and
September

Another important characteristic of the renewable generation is the

near zero variable/marginal cost of generation. Conventional
generators using fuels (coal, gas, nuclear) have much higher variable
cost of generation in comparison. System operators use merit order
principle for deciding the priority of generators in dispatch. The
priority is decided by the marginal cost of generation of the generator.
Lower marginal cost of generation results in higher priority in
dispatch. Near-zero marginal cost of generation prioritises the
dispatch of renewable generators over the conventional generators in
the dispatch process. (Arriaga, 2011) Hence, RE generators are
accorded must-run status to the extent of transmission availability
and safe system operation. This implies that grid operators will now
have to effectively plan to meet ‘net-load’ (difference between load
and RE generation) through conventional generators.

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6.1.2 Grid Operation with High Penetration of RE
Variable renewable generation can have different impacts on
different power systems depending on the characteristics of the
power system, the percentage of penetration of renewables in the
power systems, different voltage levels in the power systems, the
generation mix of the country, the time scale used for the analysis,
etc. For example, at the transmission level, issues are related to
frequency regulation, load balancing, transmission planning, power
system stability and security, while at the distribution level, the
problems are reverse power flow handling, power quality, distribution
planning, etc. In this report, we focus on the potential impact of
renewable generation on the power system operation at the
transmission level.

Figure 6 shows a sample actual daily demand curve of India. The lower
curve shows the net load of the system, obtained as Total Demand -
Renewable Generation (20 GW solar and no wind generation in this
sample calculation). It can be seen that the actual demand has a steep
ramp from 6 to 7.30 pm. The inclusion of solar generation marginally
increases the flexibility requirements of the remaining generation
fleet, as shown by the curve. However, the flexibility requirements
may change in the future with a higher penetration of renewables.
While RE generation reduces the net load, depending on the load
profile, it could also contribute to reducing peak load and thereby
could potentially reduce the need for expensive short-term power
purchases.

21
Figure 7 : Load Curve of India without (Red) and with 20 GW of solar
capacity (Blue)

22
6.2 PROBLEM AND CHALLENGES

Renewable energy sources are intermittent in nature hence it is

therefore a challenging task to integrate renewable energy resources
into the power grid. Some of the challenges and issues associated with
the grid integration of various renewable energy sources particularly
solar photovoltaic and wind energy conversion systems. Further these
challenges are broadly classified into technical and non-technical and
described below.
A. Technical Issues
The following are the technical issues are described as
1. Power quality
a. Harmonics
b. Frequency and voltage fluctuation
2. Power fluctuation
a. Small time power fluctuations
b. Long time or seasonal power fluctuations
3. Storage
4. Protection issues
5. Optimal placement of RES
6. Islanding
Apart from aforesaid technical issues some of the non tech. issues
are also presented in this paper.
B. Non-Technical Issues
1. Lack of technical skilled man power

23
2. Less availability of transmission line to accommodate RES
3. RES technologies are excluded from the competition by giving them
priority to dispatch which discourage the installation of new power
plant for reserve purpose.

6.3 POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

The renewable energy sources such as solar, wind etc. has accelerated
the transition towards greener energy sources. The increasing number
of renewable energy sources and distributed generators requires new
strategies for the operation and management of the electricity grid in
order to maintain or even to improve the power-supply reliability and
quality. Keeping in view of the aforesaid some of the possible solutions
have been proposed by researchers.

1. The power-electronic technology plays an important role in

distributed generation and in integration of renewable energy sources
into the electrical grid, and it is widely used and rapidly expanding as
these applications become more integrated with the grid- based
systems. During the last few years, power electronics has undergone
a fast evolution, which is mainly due to two factors. The first one is the
development of fast semiconductor switches that are capable of
switching quickly and handling high powers. The second factor is the
introduction of real- time computer controllers that can implement
advanced and complex control algorithms. These factors together
have led to the development of cost- effective and grid-friendly
converters.

2. Intermittence of power generation from the RES can be controlled

by generating the power from distributing the RES to larger

24
geographical area in small units instead of large unit concentrating in
one area. For example output power of large solar PV system with
rating of tens of mega watt can be change by 70% in a five to ten
minutes of time frame by the local phenomenon like cloud passing etc
therefore large number of small solar PV system should be installed in
larger geographical area. The fluctuation of total output power can be
minimized because of local problem can affect only small unit power
not the total output power.

3. In case of irrigation load the load is fed during the night time or off
peak load time and this is fed by conventional grid. On other hand
power generated by RES like solar PV is generated during day time so
we can use this power for irrigation purposes instead of storing the
energy for later time which increases the cost of the overall system.
Using the solar water pumping for irrigation gives very high efficiency
approx 80% to 90% and the cost of solar water pumping is much lesser
than the induction motor pumping type.
4. In large solar PV plant output power is fluctuating during the whole
day and this power is fed to the grid and continuously fluctuating
power gives rise to the security concern to the grid for making stable
grid. Solar PV plant owner have to install the different type of storage
system which gives additional cost to the plant owner. Once the
storage system is fully charged then this storage elements gives no
profit to the system owner. Therefore solar based water pumping
system may be installed instead of storage system.

25
CONCLUSIONS
In this report, some issues related to grid integration of RES and their
possible solutions available in the literature have been presented. To
minimize the fluctuations and intermittent problems power
electronics devices are the viable options. Further, energy storage and
use of dump load and MPPT could be used for reducing the power
fluctuations in PV systems. In addition to the aforesaid, the up
gradation in balance of systems by incorporating the new materials
and storage elements could reduce the problems associated with grid
integration.

26
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[3]. Van Li and Yun Wei Li, "Power Management of Inverter Interfaced
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