Intelligent transformer tap controller for harmonic elimination in photovoltaic interfaced micro-grid network

Abstract

The photovoltaic (PV) system is interfaced to the microgrid through an on-load tap changer (OLTC) transformer. Pulse width modulation (PWM) AC choppers are used to control these OLTC but create harmonics owing to their non-optimal firing angles. In this paper, Differential Evolution (DE) and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) techniques are used for optimal control of an AC chopper to keep the harmonic distortion of voltage and current within limits. An IEEE-13 node network is adapted as a micro-grid with PV integration through transformers. The simulated results are validated by a laboratory set-up. A dSPACE experimental set-up is used for the real-time implementation of optimization algorithms. The results show that the DE gives firing angles that improve power quality, particularly a reduction in total harmonic distortion and improvement in the root mean square voltage profile. The research is particularly useful for the on-line power quality improvement in PV interfaced microgrid networks.