Post #1883138
2023-06-04 10:07 UTC
Now let's add a bunch of photo-voltaic (PV) panels with AC inverters to the mix. Those are *variable* power providers: Their output changes according to *supply*, not to *demand*. Supply depends on latitude, time of day/year, cloud cover, and other factors. PV inverters (usually) cannot *create* a grid. Other ("grid-forming") generators need to have done this first. ("Grid-following") PV inverters can then sync to that existing grid, adapting their frequency and phasing to it.
Replies (1)
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@sbi@toot.berlin 2023-06-04 10:09
The PV panels provide as much power as they can and leave the rotating masses to sort out the rest. But this is fine only if you have a relatively small amount of this unregulated power in your grid, and the rotating fossil fuel generators can compensate for any fluctuations in consumption *and* PV supply. If your PV supply varies between, say, 20% and 60% of your demand, then your generators need to provide between 40–80% of the energy. Things might get complicated then.