Implementation and validation of WECC generic photovoltaic system models in DIgSILENT PowerFactory

This paper presents the implementation and verification of generic PhotoVoltaic (PV) system models, developed by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), in the commercial software simulation tool DIgSILENT PowerFactory. The scope of this work is large-scale PV plants connected to the distribution or transmission grid. The general model structure is described and the required modifications made during the implementation process are explained in detail. The implemented PV models were extensively tested and validated against the EPRI written Renewable Energy Model Validation (REMV) tool, that represents the WECC specifications. Moreover, the REMV tool has been validated against real measurements. The dynamic performance of the models was investigated in response to voltage and frequency deviations. The simulation results have verified that the generic PV system models, as implemented in DIgSILENT PowerFactory, match perfectly the REMV tool, and therefore correctly represent the WECC model specifications. Furthermore, the implemented generic PV system models in DIgSILENT PowerFactory can be downloaded from the author's website.