Optimization of the Penetration Rate in Photovoltaic Power: Case of the Senegalese Electricity Network

This article presents solutions for optimizing the penetration rate of photovoltaic energies in the HV/MV electrical network of SENELEC (Senegalese electricity company). It highlights the advantages obtained through storage and the choice of optimal sizes/locations. In the context of the development of photovoltaic and wind power plant projects, the SENELEC electricity network is considered as the case study. This study completes the work that has been carried out on the same electrical network and relating to the determination of the maximum penetration rate in photovoltaic energies. Using Power Factory software, static and dynamic simulations were performed to determine the optimal rate that can be reached within the network stability limit. The results have been satisfactory. For a storage solution, the penetration rates obtained are 24.53 % in HTA and 23.46 % in HTB. By optimizing the locations and size of the photovoltaic fields, this rate reaches 24% for an injected power of 150 MW. The results of these simulations allowed us to determine the optimization limits of the penetration rate and to identify the priority locations for the connection of photovoltaic power plant projects.