MINIMIZATION OF ELECTRIC ENERGY BILLING OF PROSUMERS BY OPTIMIZED ADJUSTMENT OF THE POWER FACTOR OF THEIR PHOTOVOLTAIC INVERTERS
The term prosumer is used to refer to agents that consume and produce their own energy, and may have a more active role in the operation and planning of the electric power distribution networks. However, this class of agent is exposed to the same obligations as other consumers connected to medium voltage networks, such as having an adequate power factor at the point of connection to the main grid. In this sense, a proper adjustment of the power factor of their photovoltaic inverters can avoid penalties and, consequently, minimize the amounts paid with their electricity bill. In view of this, this work proposes a methodology for adjusting the power factor of prosumer photovoltaic inverters, avoiding additional costs due to reactive surplus penalties. Additionally, improving the power factor within the concession area of electric power distributors mutually benefits prosumers and distributors, since both must keep this parameter above a minimum value in order to avoid penalties.