Alexandros Boubaris

Democritus University of Thrace | DUTH · Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Title: Experimental investigation on the performance characteristics of anti-islanding techniques in the prospect of high PV penetration level

This research project is proposed to develop a system of Smart Solar Cells, comprising the conventional Solar Cells that are connected to an integrated circuit (IC). which will be designed and constructed within the framework of the proposed project. This IC will be responsible for the maximization and management of the energy produced by the solar cell, the detection of malfunctions and for the remote (through Internet) control and monitoring of the Smart Solar Cell operation. The IC will be designed such that it can be used in combination with solar cells of any manufacturing technology (e.g. multi-crystalline, thin-film etc.). The proposed project targets to design, construct and experimentally evaluate a fully-functional prototype PV system of Smart Solar Cells. The proposed Smart Solar Cell will ensure the continuous production of the maximum possible power by the PV system (thus minimizing the cost per unit energy produced by the PV systems), the optimal exploitation of the available installation surfaces, the reduction of the installation and maintenance costs of the PV systems and the reduction of the PV panels manufacturing costs, since the matching process of the individual solar cells incorporated in the same panel will not be required during their manufacturing process. Due to the innovative character of the proposed system at both the research and industrial levels, activities for exploiting the project results will be implemented, targeting to the optimal exploitation of the commercial potential of the proposed system.

The main objective of ACTIVATE project is to develop novel DSO-oriented and TSO-oriented ancillary service solutions. These solutions aim to address the emerging grid operation challenges caused by the increased DG penetration and especially by the intermittent nature of DRESs. The ancillary services to be developed will be based on exploiting the functionalities the network assets offer including: (a) ESSs, (b) novel operational features of the grid-interfaced converters of ESSs and DRES units, which will be developed within this project, and (c) a new monitoring system architecture for active distribution networks (ADNs) based on measurements acquired locally at the point of common coupling (PCC) of the DRES units. This project will contribute to the increase of supply reliability and RES penetration, in an attempt to meet the targets European Union has set to improve sustainability, flexibility, and efficiency in the electricity sector.