Assessment of the Incidence of the “Parque Solar Salinas” Photovoltaic Plant on the Medium Voltage Grid of the Emelnorte S.A. Company: A Comprehensive Report

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the 'Parque Solar Salinas' photovoltaic (PV) plant on the medium voltage grid of Emelnorte S.A., a power distribution company located in the northern region of Ecuador. The main objective was to evaluate the power quality delivered by the plant, in compliance with the standards set by the Electricity Regulation and Control Agency of Ecuador (ARCONEL). The study was based on a detailed review of electrical generation, specifically focusing on solar PV energy. The components and topologies of PV plants, such as inverters, solar panels, and transformers, were described in depth. Additionally, the National Electrical Code regulations related to power quality were analyzed. The technical details of the plant is described, and the steps to determine the power quality are presented in the grid. Data were extracted from the plant, including variables such as active power, reactive power, voltage, and current. Short-term (Pst) and long-term (Plt) flicker were also analyzed and interpreted about solar radiation. The results obtained in this study were presented in a technical procedure manual that allowed for the evaluation of power quality for a photovoltaic plant when connected to a medium voltage grid.