The PhD candidate will be able to develop studies and improve knowledge related to the large and widespread integration of distributed Photovoltaic generation into the present and future power systems, specifically in low and medium voltage distribution grids. Analysis of the technical, economic, and regulatory problems posed by the variable solar energy source in the evolving of power systems will be within the expertise developed by the candidate.

The study of large-scale distributed grid-connected photovoltaics requires a certain number of basic skills, such as recognition, modelling (deterministic and probabilistic) and simulation of solar energy source, PV technologies and distribution grids. Power converters basic and control strategies of active and reactive power required for PV grid connection is also required. Such skills will be given to all the student through the common part of the education plan.

An interdisciplinary approach is also necessary to let the PhD candidate have an overview of the PV grid interaction. The knowledge of power systems studies, such as: load flow, optimal power flow, stability analysis (angle, frequency and voltage stability) and short circuit analysis, play a key role for the deep qualitative and quantitively understanding of the impact of role of photovoltaic systems in the future smart distribution grids.

A solid background on circuit theory, dynamical systems and control theory is given to enable the PhD candidate to define the steady-state and dynamic operating point of the PV systems when they are involved in the provision of ancillary services for the Transmission System Operator (TSO) and/or Distribution System Operator (DSO) within a general liberalized schemes of selling of such services. The microeconomics background will allow to evaluate the economic opportunities coming from the participation of PV systems in the energy and ancillary services markets.

Studies on power quality in distribution grids with distributed PV generation will also be covered including topics such as: power quality standards and applications, evaluation and analysis of voltage fluctuation and flicker and harmonic analysis.

In most cases the PV systems inject into the grid the net power, as a difference between the generated power and the local load, so the PhD candidate will also gain knowledge in the field of the characteristics of the net load in a distribution grid with distributed PV generation. Specifically, methodologies to optimize the self-consumption and self-sufficiency or cost-effectiveness of grid-connected prosumers by optimizing the sizes and/or operation of photovoltaic (PV) systems with or without electrochemical batteries and with the implementation of flexibilization of local load will be considered.

The topics of techniques for mitigating of the impacts of high-penetration photovoltaics (e.g. energy storage technology; demand response; cluster partition control; community-detection-based optimal network partition, aggregation) and design and implementation of stand-alone multisource microgrids with high-penetration photovoltaic generation, will complete the PhD candidate knowledge in the field of the interaction of extended distributed photovoltaic systems with the power system.