A pre- and post-installation analysis of the impact of industrial photovoltaic park deployment on power quality emissions

In industrial facilities, where energy-intensive processes drive high operational costs, photovoltaic (PV) parks offer a compelling solution to reduce grid dependency and energy expenses while utilizing available space. However, integrating PV systems into medium-voltage (MV) industrial grids linked to high-voltage transmission networks introduces challenges related to power quality and grid stability. This study examines these issues through the lens of a real-world industrial grid operating at 6 kV, connected via a transformer to a 110 kV public power grid, with an MV-integrated PV park. The research combines pre- and post-installation measurements, analytical assessments, and Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) testing to evaluate system behaviour. Steady-state analyses, guided by IEC 61000-2-4, assess harmonic emissions, total harmonic distortion, and power compliance, while transient analyses employ impedance-based techniques and frequency sweeps to identify potential instabilities across inverter configurations. PHIL testing further determines the optimal inverter for stable integration. Findings confirm that with three specific laboratory-based tests, large-scale PV installations can maintain emission levels within regulatory limits and ensure compatibility at the transmission-distribution interface. This study demonstrates the critical role of advanced analytical and experimental methods in achieving stable, efficient PV integration within industrial grids, advancing energy efficiency without compromising power quality.