Technique for Fast Detection of Short Circuit Current in PV Distributed Generator

Abstract

This paper proposes a new fast technique, in which the slope of a photovoltaic (PV) inverter current is utilized to predict if the current is expected to exceed its rated value due to any grid faults. Two applications of this technique are demonstrated. In jurisdictions where grid codes require distributed generators (DGs) to disconnect after a fault occurrence, such as in Ontario, Canada, this technique is utilized to rapidly disconnect the PV solar system even before the inverter short circuit current actually exceeds the rated current of the inverter, thereby obviating the problem of any adverse short circuit current contribution into the grid. However, in regions where grid codes require DGs to stay connected and provide grid support, such as low-voltage ride through, this technique can be used to rapidly and autonomously transform the PV solar farm into a dynamic reactive power compensator STATCOM (termed PV-STATCOM) for providing voltage support function. In this paper, the PV-STATCOM is used to stabilize a critical induction motor load in the vicinity of the solar farm, which would have otherwise become unstable due to the grid fault. PSCAD-based simulation studies are performed on a realistic distribution network to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique.