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Abstract
Whilst the existing electricity grid can accommodate distributed PV generation, higher penetration levels may have a number of adverse impacts requiring management. The thesis focuses on two of these issues; voltage variability and voltage rise, with contributions to the successful technical integration of distributed PV generation made in three areas. Firstly, the thesis examines the characterisation of PV generation variability. Comprehensive characterisation of PV generation variability is necessary for network service providers to plan appropriately for high penetration distributed PV. The thesis contributes to this area by demonstrating a comprehensive characterisation which describes the behaviour of PV generation variability over the course of the day and over the course of the year. The second is the development of a method for estimating the amount of PV generation a low voltage feeder can accommodate without exceeding upper voltage limits. A novel method is developed through the examination of the relationship between voltage rise, PV generation levels and distribution feeder characteristics. The method is implemented in a simple software tool through which network operators can quickly and easily determine approximate values of maximum PV generation for their distribution feeders. The third thesis contribution is an investigation into methods for integrating PV systems, controllable loads and other devices such as electrical storage, to manage distribution voltage levels. A review of the literature in this area found a focus on methods for minimising excessive voltage rise due to PV generation. The work presented in this thesis contributes to this area by presenting an argument for a more balanced approach to distributed voltage management, one which investigates minimising voltage excursion as a whole, not just voltage rise caused by PV generation. Also presented is an original distributed voltage control method using residential PV systems and controllable loads to ensure voltage levels, upper and lower, are maintained within regulation limits. The method requires no new communication infrastructure and is shown to be more efficient and equitable than similar methods currently proposed in the literature.