Characteristics analysis of a PV-AF-SPE system under several irradiation conditions

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, an integrated model of a PV-AF (Photovoltaic-Active Filter) and PV-SPE (Photovoltaic-Solid Polymer Electrolyte) system using PSCAD/EMTDC software is explained in detail. The PV-AF system, a combination of a converter system for grid-connection including active filter function and the PV system, has already been introduced in several papers. The main concept of the PV-AF system issues from “harmonics”. Conventional methods to reduce or compensate for harmonics, such as a passive filter, have some limitations. By adapting an active filter as a harmonic compensation method, however, those limitations have been overcome. In the case of a utility connected system, the photovoltaic power generation system essentially needs an inverter system. The SPE cell is a certain type of fuel cell which can produce highly pure hydrogen (about 99.99%) much as the same method with which electrolysis of water has been developed in the 1980s. Nowadays, the PV-SPE system has been focused on as a replacement of existing hydrogen production technology. This technology emits large amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Applying harmonics currents may result in some bad effects such as aging and depletion of the SPE cell. To prevent the above mentioned problems and to have a stable production of hydrogen, a combined system (PV-AF-SPE system) is proposed, and its operational characteristics and advantages are analyzed in detail.