Photovoltaic Grid-connected Inverter Research Articles

New Approaches in Finite Control Set Model Predictive Control for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Inverters: State of the Art

Grid-connected PV inverters require sophisticated control procedures for smooth integration with the modern electrical grid. The ability of FCS-MPC to manage the discrete character of power electronic devices is highly acknowledged, since it enables direct manipulation of switching states without requiring modulation techniques. This review discusses the latest approaches in FCS-MPC methods for PV-based grid-connected inverter systems. It also classifies these methods according to control objectives, such as active and reactive power control, harmonic suppression, and voltage regulation. The application of FCS-MPC particularly emphasizing its benefits, including quick response times, resistance to changes in parameters, and the capacity to manage restrictions and nonlinearities in the system without the requirement for modulators, has been investigated in this review. Recent developments in robust and adaptive MPC strategies, which enhance system performance despite distorted grid settings and parametric uncertainties, are emphasized. This analysis classifies FCS-MPC techniques based on their control goals, optimal parameters and cost function, this paper also identifies drawbacks in these existing control methods and provide recommendation for future research in FCS-MPC for grid-connected PV-inverter systems.

A Filter-Based Topology and Modulation Strategy With Leakage Current Mitigation for Grid-Connected CHB Photovoltaic Inverters

A Filter-Based Topology and Modulation Strategy With Leakage Current Mitigation for Grid-Connected CHB Photovoltaic Inverters

Bidirectional buck–boost converter-based active power decoupling method for single-phase photovoltaic grid-connected inverters

Bidirectional buck–boost converter-based active power decoupling method for single-phase photovoltaic grid-connected inverters

Enhancing performance of shipboard photovoltaic grid-connected inverter through CRNN-LM-BP control optimized by particle swarm optimization of LCL parameters

The global renewable energy portfolio is experiencing a growing proportion of shipboard photovoltaic (PV) energy. Grid-connected system has become the development trend of photovoltaic power generation technology in marine applications because of its high energy utilization efficiency. However, in the grid-connected process, harmonic pollution is easily caused by time-varying marine environment disturbance, which affects the quality of grid-connected power. The current recurrent neural network Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation (CRNN-LM-BP) method, a control methodology, is introduced in this paper to ensure the robustness, stability, and consistency of the system. In addition, the inductance-capacitance-inductance (LCL) filter is optimized using particle swarm optimization (PSO) to minimize the presence of high frequency harmonics. The system that has been developed possesses the ability to improve the accuracy of steady-state control, operate with high efficiency and effectiveness, and maintain a total harmonic distortion of 1.73 %. Concurrently, streamlining the Jacobian matrix in the LM algorithm expedites convergence. It enables the system to improve its dynamic response, minimize excess, and quickly return to a stable condition when faced with load variations, a wide range of filter parameter adjustments, and voltage fluctuations. The suggested method’s effectiveness and applicability are evaluated by comparing it to the traditional proportional-resonant control, CRNN-BP control, using Matlab/Simulink and the real-time simulator OPAL-RT5700..

Impact of Multiple Grid-Connected Solar PV Inverters on Harmonics in the High-Frequency Range

In recent years, integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems into distribution networks has been increasing rapidly, as it has become the most promising renewable energy source (RES) in the transition of power generation from centralised to decentralised systems. With the power electronic (PE) interfaces that use high-frequency internal switching, all renewable energy sources are considered to be harmonic emitters, especially near switching frequencies, i.e., above 2 kHz. This paper evaluates the behaviour of high-frequency harmonics in the 2–20 kHz range due to the parallel operation of multiple solar PV inverters connected to a low-voltage (LV) network. The circulation current component that flows within the installation due to the low impedance paths at higher frequencies is analysed. Summation of high-frequency harmonic currents is observed with phase diversity analysis. The circulating current component can become 14 times higher than the grid current component at higher frequencies.

Recent advances in leakage current suppression techniques for three-level inverters

As populations grow, the world is at risk of energy shortages. Therefore, solar energy as a renewable energy source has attracted a great deal of attention, and people focus their attention on photovoltaic inverters. However, the inverter has leakage current issues, which even pose a threat to human safety. Therefore, leakage current suppression technology has become a hot research direction in photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected inverter systems. Firstly, in this paper, the author analyzes the circuit principle and topology of the three-level inverter. Secondly, it explains the causes of leakage current in this kind of inverter and summarizes the existing solutions such as space vector pulse width modulation, changing circuit topology, and adding filters. Finally, the author compared the advantages and disadvantages of these solutions and then gave some suggestions for the future development trend of three-level PV inverters as well as the technical challenges, which will help in the subsequent research.

Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Smart Inverter Testing with Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems

The increasing integration of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters and inverter-based resource (IBR) systems into the power grid emphasizes the critical need for standardized procedures to ensure their reliability and effective grid support functions. This research is driven by the gap in standardized testing methodologies for smart inverters, which are pivotal for the stability and quality of power in distributed energy systems. We used a Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) laboratory setup to conduct a comprehensive analysis of smart inverters within a simulated real-world grid environment. Our approach integrates a Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) with PHIL testing to evaluate the smart inverter’s performance across various operational modes. The detailed test protocols mimic real-world grid conditions, enabling the examination of the inverter’s dynamic response to grid disturbances, control strategies, and communication protocols. The primary aim of this study is to rigorously test and validate the primary functions of smart inverters, focusing on their impact on overall grid stability and power quality management. This includes advanced features like Volt–VAR, Volt–Watt, dynamic power factor control, and the seamless integration of smart inverters into DERMSs and Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMSs). Furthermore, we aim to bridge the current gap in standardized testing procedures, contributing to the establishment of robust standards and operating protocols for smart inverter integration into the grid.

Overlap Time Compensation and Characteristic Analysis for Current Source Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverter

In the current source photovoltaic grid-connected system, to prevent the DC-link inductor from incurring an opening circuit fault, it is necessary to include the overlap time in the switching signals. However, current error and serious harmonic distortion in the inverter-side and grid-side currents are generated, which will cause additional losses and reduce the power quality of the grid, so it is important to compensate for the current error caused by the overlap time. In this paper, the relationship between the nonlinear current errors caused by the overlap time and the AC-side voltage is analyzed. Then, the mathematical expression of the low-order harmonics with losses caused by the overlap time is derived. On this basis, a current error compensation method with a discrete filter of AC-side voltage is proposed. Finally, a simulation and experiment are carried out to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the theoretical analysis and compensation scheme presented in this paper. With an overlap time of 3 μs, the THD of the grid-side current decreases from 5.93% to 1.59% after compensation.

Performance enhancement of a three-phase grid-connected PV inverter system using fractional-order integral sliding mode controls

Grid-integrated photovoltaic (PV) systems hold significant promise for sustainable energy production. However, these systems often struggle with maintaining energy quality and stability in the face of fluctuating conditions. To address these challenges, this study proposes the use of fractional-order integral sliding mode control (FO-ISMC) for grid-connected PV systems. The system comprises solar panel arrays, a DC/DC boost converter with its controller, and a three-phase inverter integrated into the utility grid. The primary goals of this study are to maximize power extraction from the PV system and to regulate system currents, thereby improving effectiveness and power quality. The proposed method is further refined using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to fine-tune parameter settings. By optimizing the command gains of the FOI-SMC, the PSO algorithm enhances system performance and stability. Leveraging fractional-order and integral terms provides the control signal with additional degrees of freedom, enhancing system performance in the presence of internal and external disturbances. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller compared to the classical controller, where in the case of Irradiation taking the value of 500 W/m2, the proposed strategy reduced the values of constant voltage, active power, and reactive power by percentages estimated at 88.18%, 90%, and 70%, respectively, compared to the traditional strategy. Also, the overshoot value of active power was reduced in all completed cases compared to the traditional strategy by percentages estimated at 53.57%, 66.66%, and 65%, respectively. The proposed strategy reduced the response time of reactive power in all cases compared to the traditional strategy by percentages estimated at 58.59%, 28.80%, and 75%, respectively. These ratios show the high performance of the proposed control in improving the characteristics of the studied system compared to traditional control based on PI control.

Stability Analysis and Robust Parameter Design of DC-Voltage Loop for Three-Phase Grid-Connected PV Inverter Under Weak Grid Condition

In the grid-connected inverter, both the PLL (phase-locked loop) and DVL (DC-voltage loop) can lead to the frequency coupling in the weak grid. Instabilities caused by PLL frequency coupling have been widely discussed. For DVL, past studies have analyzed the effect of DVL parameters on the degree of frequency coupling, but it is quite unclear how DVL parameters affect the inverter stability and how DVL can be designed under the weak grid. Hence, by fully considering the abovementioned frequency coupling, an accurate admittance model of PV (photovoltaic) grid-connected inverter is established in this study. By deriving the modified admittance matrix, the effects of grid impedance and DVL parameters on the frequency coupling are clearly studied. In addition, by modeling the equivalent inverter output impedance, the impact of DVL on the inverter stability under the weak grid is revealed. As proved, the increase of DVL bandwidth <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">f</i> <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">vbw</sub> and grid impedance will aggravate the frequency coupling, but the current distortion does not necessarily increase. Meanwhile, the increase of <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">f</i> <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">vbw</sub> helps to improve the inverter stability under the weak grid. Accordingly, a novel design for DVL in the weak grid is proposed. Experiments verify the correctness of the analysis and design.

Methods to Improve Suppression of Leakage Current Generation in Single-phase Non-isolated Photovoltaic Grid-connected Inverters

Analysis of methods to suppress leakage current through the topology of a single-phase inverter is carried out, aiming to address the phenomenon that disturbs the normal operation of electrical equipment and poses risks to human life when equipment integrates the electrical system into the grid. The topology of a single-phase inverter is taken as the research object, whose issues will be researched and summarized. First of all, by analyzing the single-phase inverter circuit, a simplified equivalent circuit is obtained. Then during the simplification process, it can be concluded that the generation of leakage current is related to the rate of change of common-mode voltage. After that based on this phenomenon, the general direction for suppressing leakage current has been obtained: when the electrical equipment links to the grid: keep Vcm constant, and four clear methods to suppress leakage current. Then reanalyze the way some new non-isolated grid-tied inverter topology how to suppress leakage current. Eventually, the conclusion would be reached.

Research on active participation of distributed photovoltsics in power grid primary frequency control strategy

Distributed photovoltaic systems can actively contribute to the primary frequency regulation of the power grid by reserving capacity. Traditional power reduction methods often employ fixed load reduction ratios, potentially resulting in inadequate frequency regulation capacity and unnecessary reserve power. This paper centers on optimizing power reserve control, starting with the construction of a two-stage model for a photovoltaic grid-connected inverter power generation system. It includes the design of a maximum power estimation method and the implementation of photovoltaic power reduction operation. The article proposes a strategy to utilize photovoltaic backup capacity for achieving primary frequency modulation effects in a short time scale. Additionally, it adopts a variable power reserve ratio operation strategy over the long term, aiming to enhance photovoltaic power generation and optimize solar energy utilization without compromising the grid’s frequency and quality. Finally, a MATLAB/Simulink model is developed to validate the effectiveness of the control strategy. Simulation results indicate that the proposed strategy satisfies frequency regulation requirements, enhances power generation efficiency, and improves the economic viability of photovoltaic operations.

Transient Synchronous Stability Analysis of Grid-Forming Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverters during Asymmetrical Grid Faults

Compared with the traditional grid-following photovoltaic grid-connected converter (GFL-PGC), the grid-forming photovoltaic grid-connected converter (GFM-PGC) can provide voltage and frequency support for power systems, which can effectively enhance the stability of power electronic power systems. Consequently, GFM-PGCs have attracted great attention in recent years. When an asymmetrical short-circuit fault occurs in the power grid, GFM-PGC systems may experience transient instability, which has been less studied so far. In this paper, a GFM-PGC system is investigated under asymmetrical short-circuit fault conditions. A novel Q-V droop control structure is proposed by improving the traditional droop control. The proposed control structure enables the system to accurately control the positive- and negative-sequence reactive current without switching the control strategy during the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) period so that it can meet the requirements of the renewable energy grid code. In addition, a dual-loop control structure model of positive- and negative-sequence voltage and current is established for the GFM-PGC system under asymmetrical short-circuit fault conditions. Based on the symmetrical component method, the composite sequence network of the system is obtained under asymmetrical short-circuit fault conditions, and positive- and negative-sequence power-angle characteristic curves are analyzed. The influence law of system parameters on the transient synchronous stability of positive- and negative-sequence systems is quantitatively analyzed through the equal area criterion. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis is verified by simulation and hardware-in-the-loop experiments.

Investigation of novel control strategies for grid-connected photovoltaic inverters

Investigation of novel control strategies for grid-connected photovoltaic inverters

Aliasing Suppression Method for a Three-Phase Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Inverter Based on Multi-Sampling and Mean Filtering

In order to reduce the sampling delay and improve bandwidth, sability margin, and the robustness of the active damping in LCL-filtered grid-connected inverters, real-time sampling provides a convenient method. However, aliasing is easily introduced in the control loop because of high-frequency switching harmonics, resulting in a rise in low-order harmonics. To address the challenge of aliasing under real-time sampling, a new method based on multisampling and mean filtering is proposed by combining the proposed harmonic detection and control methods in this paper. This method works by sampling and controlling the fundamental current and selective subharmonic currents separately. The fundamental current control loop without any additional filters maintains real-time sampling, while multisampling and mean filters are applied to the harmonic current control loop. The proposed control method can not only improve the dynamic response performance and control stability of the system but also effectively suppress the selective low-order current harmonics and the aliasing of sampling. Finally, the correctness of the proposed sampling scheme and control strategy is verified by the simulation based on R2018b, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA and an experimental prototype of a three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic inverter rated at 230 V/50 Hz/40 kW.

Control Approach of Grid-Connected PV Inverter under Unbalanced Grid Conditions

In grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems, power quality and voltage control are necessary, particularly under unbalanced grid conditions. These conditions frequently lead to double-line frequency power oscillations, which worsen Direct Current (DC)-link voltage ripples and stress DC-link capacitors. The well-known dq frame vector control technique, which is effective under normal conditions, struggles with oscillatory component management in unbalanced grid conditions. To address this issue, this paper presents an advanced control approach designed for grid-connected PV inverters. The proposed approach is effective at reducing oscillations in the DC-link voltage at double the grid frequency, thereby enhancing system stability and component longevity. This method introduces a feedback control method designed to regulate oscillatory components that appeared within the dq frame and suppress the DC-link voltage oscillations under imbalance conditions, including single line-to-ground (SLG) faults. Additionally, the control scheme incorporates a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller to optimize PV efficiency. Comprehensive simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in maintaining sinusoidal current injections and stabilizing DC-link voltage during unbalanced grid conditions. Simulation results show that the control scheme effectively stabilizes DC-link voltage, maintains balanced grid current, and ensures constant active power under various conditions, including SLG faults and solar irradiance changes.

Simulation system of intelligent photovoltaic grid-connected inverter considering fuzzy PI control

The grid connected inverter is the core component of the photovoltaic grid connected power generation system, which mainly converts the direct current of the photovoltaic matrix into alternating current that meets the grid connected requirements, playing a key role in the efficient and stable operation of the photovoltaic grid connected power generation system.This paper uses fuzzy PI control model which to improve the performance of intelligent photovoltaic grid-connected inverter to simulate the intelligent photovoltaic inverter system, using mathematical analysis and reasoning methods for model analysis,adopts two-stage three-phase LCL grid-connected inverter, establishes mathematical models in two-phase synchronous rotating and two-phase static coordinate systems, and adopts an active damping strategy based on grid-connected current. Based on existing research and empirical analysis,aiming at the disadvantage of poor dynamic response of repetitive control, an improved repetitive control strategy is adopted, and the controller is analyzed from two aspects of stability and dynamic performance, and the simulation model of photovoltaic grid-connected power generation system is built. Use experimental analysis method to verify the effectiveness of the model in this article,The experimental results show that the simulation system of intelligent photovoltaic grid-connected inverter considering fuzzy PI control proposed in this paper has certain effects.

Revolutionary building approach for maximal photovoltaic system results to improve maximum power point tracking in solar inverter

Due to the inherent frequency ripple in single-phase photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected solar inverters, the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) will inevitably be affected. To improve the MPPT performances, a passive LC power decoupling circuit with a Robust Sliding-Mode Control (RSMC) is proposed in this article. The frequency pulsation on the DC link is effectively canceled with the passive LC decoupling path. Thus, the MPPT accuracy is significantly enhanced, and the utilization of a small DC-link capacitor becomes possible. The resonance between the LC circuit and the main DC-link capacitor appears, which can be damped through an active damping method. The proposed RSMC offers good steady-state, dynamic performance (voltage fluctuation and settling time), and the robustness of the DC-link voltage, which is also beneficial to MPPT control in terms of high accuracy and fast dynamics. The systematic design of RSMC is presented, and a detailed parameter optimization design of the LC decoupling circuit is discussed. Experimental tests are performed on a 2.5-kW single-phase grid-connected solar inverter, and the results validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.

Transformer-Less Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Inverter

Transformer-Less Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Inverter

An efficient power decoupling topology circuit based on a novel three-port three-switches flyback series circuit.

Both filter inductors, electrolytic capacitors, and radiators play a significant role in the inverter of a PV (Photovoltaic) power generation system. These three parts are the largest in an inverter, which affects the performance of the inverter. Aimed to improve the power density of a single-phase PV grid-connected inverter with a decoupling function. This paper derived the control principle that can reduce the volume of the inductor, decoupling capacitor, and the loss of the switching device to begin with the mathematical function of power processing of the filter inductor. And then, the authors deduced a boost-type power decoupled single-phase inverter topology. Based on a novel three-port three-switches flyback series circuit, this paper proposed an efficient power decoupling topology circuit for extracting the maximum power density of a single-phase grid-connected PV inverter. Finally, this article operated the simulation and experiment. Both the simulated and experimental results verified that the proposed method works well.