Abstract
The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems with three-phase four-wire (3P4W) distribution networks has imposed several challenges related to existing unbalanced loads, reactive power generation and harmonics content. In this paper, a multifunctional distributed maximum power point (MPPT) controller for grid integration of PV systems is proposed. The proposed distributed MPPT controller is developed based on employing a four-leg three-level T-type multilevel inverter. The proposed inverter performs multifunctionalities, including distributed MPPT, neutral current compensation for the unbalanced loads, supplying reactive power into the grid and the grid integration. Moreover, the proposed inverter overcomes the stochastic behavior of both the PV generation with partial shading problems and its operation with unbalanced loads as well. Furthermore, the new proposed controller injects sinusoidal output currents with decreased levels of total harmonic distortion (THD) into the grid. The tested case study is investigated for the various operating scenarios of PV generation and load demands. The results and tabulated performance comparisons have proven the superior performance of the proposed multifunctional PV generation system. The results show the ability of the proposed controller to efficiently extract distributed MPPT for all PV modules at all the tested scenarios. Additional improvement of the energy efficiency is achieved through the elimination of the neutral current due to existing unbalanced loads.
Highlights
In recent years, utilization of renewable energy technologies has been found to have a significant role in electrical power generation systems
While this paper provides a real-time controller for 3P4W PV generation systems, the impacts of available power from the PV modules
The proposed distributed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and grid-connected 3P4W T-type PV inverter based on four-wire distribution networks with unbalanced loads is implemented and simulated in the PSIM environment
Summary
Utilization of renewable energy technologies has been found to have a significant role in electrical power generation systems. Different phase-balancing devices are introduced to mitigate the effects of the increased neutral currents in the LV distribution network based on active and passive controlling functions [18] On another hand, three-phase four-leg voltage source inverters (3P4L-VSIs) were utilized to compensate for the unbalanced loading and improve system performance using the active and passive methods [23]. The new proposed controller can provide a multifunctional operation of PV systems, while preserving simple implementation and lower number of components compared to [33], eliminating the need for precise modelling compared to the controllers in [29,30,31,32], and being suitable for low-cost microcontroller implementation From another side, the new proposed system and controller can provide a more efficient and reliable power system operation through the achieved multifunctionalities of neutral current compensation, maximum energy extraction, and local reactive power supply.
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