Power quality measurements near DER and disturbing loads

This paper describes the results of a four years (2006-2010) Power Quality (PQ) monitoring campaign conducted in the Dutch networks. Purpose is to get insight in the PQ at the point of connection (POC) of some connected customers with typical characteristics as for example distributed energy resources (DER) and to compare these results with the limits given in the EN50160. The results show however no specific problems near a large amount of photo voltaic (PV) panels. There was no correlation found between the harmonic distortion of the grid voltage and the production of solar energy. Pst levels are slightly higher on semi-cloudy days, but due to the low grid impedance never exceed the standard limits. Also near wind turbines no problems with the PQ are visible. The PQ near disturbing loads, like variable speed drives (VSDs), shows higher 5th and 7th order harmonics on MV level. Overall, because of the usually strong Dutch grids, no PQ problems were measured at the specific locations.