Modeling and simulation of grid-connected photovoltaic energy conversion systems

Solar power generation using PV (photovoltaic) technology is a key but still evolving technology with the fastest growing renewable-based market worldwide in the last decade. In this sector with tremendous potential for energy security and economic development, grid-connected PV systems are becoming today the most important application of solar PV generation. Based on this trend, PV system designers require an accurate and reliable tool in order to predict the dynamic performance of grid-tied PV systems at any operating conditions. This will allow evaluating the impact of PV generation on the electricity grids. This paper presents a detailed characterization of the performance and dynamic behavior of a grid-connected PV energy conversion system. To this aim, a flexible and accurate PV simulation and evaluation tool (called PVSET 1.0) is developed. The PV system is modeled, simulated and validated under the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The accuracy of simulation results has been verified using a 250 Wp PV experimental set-up.     

Development of a MATLAB/Simulink Model of a Single-Phase Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System

Because of their deployment in dispersed locations on the lowest voltage portions of the grid, photovoltaic (PV) systems pose unique challenges to power system engineers. Computer models that accurately simulate the relevant behavior of PV systems would thus be of high value. However, most of today's models either do not accurately model the dynamics of the maximum power point trackers (MPPTs) or anti-islanding algorithms, or they involve excessive computational overhead for this application. To address this need, a MATLAB/Simulink model of a single-phase grid-connected PV inverter has been developed and experimentally tested. The development of the PV array model, the integration of the MPPT with an averaged model of the power electronics, and the Simulink implementation are described. It is experimentally demonstrated that the model works well in predicting the general behaviors of single-phase grid-connected PV systems. This paper concludes with a discussion of the need for a full gradient-based MPPT model, as opposed to a commonly used simplified MPPT model.      

Integrating photovoltaic and power converter characteristics for energy extraction study of solar PV systems

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is becoming an increasingly important part of the world’s renewable energy. A grid-connected solar PV system consists of solar cells for energy extraction from the sun and power converters for grid interface. In order for effective integration of the solar PV systems with the electric power grid, this paper presents solar PV energy extraction and conversion study by combining the two characteristics together to examine various factors that may affect the design of solar PV systems. The energy extraction characteristics of solar PV cells are examined by considering several practical issues such as series and parallel connections, change of temperatures and irradiance levels, shading of sunlight, and bypassing and blocking diodes. The electrical characteristics of power converters are studied by considering physical system constraints such as rated current and converter linear modulation limits. Then, the two characteristics are analyzed in a joint environment. An open-loop transient simulation using SimPowerSystem is developed to validate the effectiveness of the characteristic study and to further inspect the solar PV system behavior in a transient environment. Extensive simulation study is conducted to investigate performance of solar PV arrays under different conditions.     

Modeling,control and simulation of a photovoltaic /hydrogen/ supercapacitor hybrid power generation system for grid-connected applications

Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) should be designed appropriately with an adequate combination of different renewable sources and various energy storage methods to overcome the problem of intermittency of renewable energy resources. Focusing on the inevitable impact on the grid caused by strong randomicity and apparent intermittency of photovoltaic (PV) generation system, modeling and control strategy of pure green and grid-friendly hybrid power generation system based on hydrogen energy storage and supercapacitor (SC) is proposed in this paper. Aiming at smoothing grid-connected power fluctuations of PV and meeting load demand, the alkaline electrolyzer (AE) and proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and SC are connected to DC bus of photovoltaic grid-connected generation system. Through coordinated control and power management of PV, AE, PEMFC and SC, hybrid power generation system friendliness and active grid-connection are realized. The validity and correctness of modeling and control strategies referred in this paper are verified through simulation results based on PSCAD/EMTDC software platform.     

不平衡电网电压下T型三电平光伏并网逆变器的有限集模型预测控制

为实现电网电压不平衡时对T型三电平光伏并网系统输出功率和电流质量的控制,以达到入网功率平稳或电流正弦为控制目标,结合光伏阵列输出功率前馈,在两相静止坐标系下提出一种直流母线电压外环PI控制、并网电流内环有限集模型预测控制的控制策略,并在电压外环中引入2倍频陷波器以获得平滑的入网功率参考值。仿真结果表明:当电网电压不对称时,采用所提控制策略能够实现对入网有功、无功功率2倍频脉动及负序电流的分别抑制或协调控制,且并网电流谐波畸变小、入网电能质量高,同时实现T型三电平逆变器的中点电位平衡。     

单相光伏并网逆变器控制策略的比较研究

采用单相两级式光伏并网拓扑结构,针对传统双闭环控制策略,在光伏电池输人功率发生骤变时,响应滞后,系统稳定性较差的缺点,采用带有输入功率前馈的双闭环控制策略,并对其进行详细地分析。通过上述的分析,基于MATLAB平台,分别就两种策略搭建了光伏并网系统的仿真模型。仿真结果表明,当输入功率发生突变时,相对于传统双闭环控制策略,带有功率前馈的双闭环控制策略,其并网电流能够更快地达到新的稳定,同时降低了直流母线电压在该过程中的波动,具有更优越的动态性能。     

Assesment of grid-connected photovoltaic systems in the Kuwaiti climate

Grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems is one of the most promising applications of PV systems. Till now, no detailed studies have been carried out to assess the potential of grid-connected systems in Kuwait. This work investigates the feasibility of implementing grid-connected PV systems in the Kuwaiti climate. The proposed system consists of crystalline solar modules mounted on the building roof and an inverter to convert PV dc output to ac voltage. The building receives electricity from both the PV array and the utility grid. In this system, the load is the total electrical energy consumption in the building.The objective of this work is to examine the performance as well as the economic feasibility of grid-connected PV systems in the Kuwaiti climate. A program is written to evaluate the performance as well as the economic feasibility of such systems in Kuwait. The input to the program is the weather data for Kuwait, time dependent building loads, as well as the utility rates for Kuwait. Weather data generator subroutine included in the program is used to generate hourly weather conditions from the monthly average values of daily radiation on horizontal surface, and ambient temperature available for Kuwait. The five-parameter PV model, which is applicable to both crystalline and amorphous PV modules, is used to determine the performance of the solar modules used in this study.The transient simulation program ( ) is used to link the components of the grid-connected PV system together. The inverter efficiency is represented as a linear function of input power. In this case, it is assumed that the AC output from the system will never be greater than the building load. Electricity tariffs will have an important impact on the cost-effectiveness of the system studied. The tariff used for electric utility is a flat rate per unit kWh of electrical energy. Simulations of the proposed system were carried out over the academic year.The building examined in this study is a flat roof building with a single story. The building roof area is large enough so that the PV arrays can be spaced widely to minimize shading losses. Different array slopes, and azimuth angles were studied to maximize the annual energy generated by the PV modules. Finally, the economic feasibility of grid-connected PV systems in Kuwait are examined.     

基于交替单相PWM控制的三相光伏并网系统

提出了可用于多支路型三相光伏并网逆变器的交替单相PWM控制方法。该控制方法在一个工频周期内,逆变器有6种开关模式,每种开关模式中只须对三相中的一相桥臂进行PWM控制,从而有效降低了功率管开关损耗,在多支路光伏并网结构提高能量转换效率的基础上,进一步提高系统效率。采用电流滞环PWM跟踪控制,能够简单实现逆变正弦电流输出,跟踪性能好,并网功率因数为1,系统稳定性好,电流总谐波畸变率(THD)较低,可满足并网要求。通过Matlab仿真验证了该控制方法的正确性和有效性。     

Grid-connected photovoltaic power systems: Technical and potential problems—A review

Traditional electric power systems are designed in large part to utilize large baseload power plants, with limited ability to rapidly ramp output or reduce output below a certain level. The increase in demand variability created by intermittent sources such as photovoltaic (PV) presents new challenges to increase system flexibility. This paper aims to investigate and emphasize the importance of the grid-connected PV system regarding the intermittent nature of renewable generation, and the characterization of PV generation with regard to grid code compliance. The investigation was conducted to critically review the literature on expected potential problems associated with high penetration levels and islanding prevention methods of grid tied PV. According to the survey, PV grid connection inverters have fairly good performance. They have high conversion efficiency and power factor exceeding 90% for wide operating range, while maintaining current harmonics THD less than 5%. Numerous large-scale projects are currently being commissioned, with more planned for the near future. Prices of both PV and balance of system components (BOS) are decreasing which will lead to further increase in use. The technical requirements from the utility power system side need to be satisfied to ensure the safety of the PV installer and the reliability of the utility grid. Identifying the technical requirements for grid interconnection and solving the interconnect problems such as islanding detection, harmonic distortion requirements and electromagnetic interference are therefore very important issues for widespread application of PV systems. The control circuit also provides sufficient control and protection functions like maximum power tracking, inverter current control and power factor control. Reliability, life span and maintenance needs should be certified through the long-term operation of PV system. Further reduction of cost, size and weight is required for more utilization of PV systems. Using PV inverters with a variable power factor at high penetration levels may increase the number of balanced conditions and subsequently increase the probability of islanding. It is strongly recommended that PV inverters should be operated at unity power factor.     

Monitoring and remote failure detection of grid-connected PV systems based on satellite observations

Small grid-connected photovoltaic systems up to 5 kW_p are often not monitored because advanced surveillance systems are not economical. Hence, some system failures which lead to partial energy losses stay unnoticed for a long time. Even a failure that results in a larger energy deficit can be difficult to detect by PV laymen due to the fluctuating energy yields.Within the EU project PVSAT-2, a fully automated performance check has been developed to assure maximum energy yields and to optimize system maintenance for small grid-connected PV systems. The aim is the early detection of system malfunctions and changing operating conditions to prevent energy and subsequent financial losses for the operator. The developed procedure is based on satellite-derived solar irradiance information that replaces on-site measurements. In conjunction with a simulation model the expected energy yield of a PV system is calculated. In case of the occurrence of a defined difference between the simulated and actual energy yield, an automated failure detection routine searches for the most probable failure sources and notifies the operator.This paper describes the individual components of the developed procedure—the satellite-derived irradiance, the used PV simulation model, and the principles of the automated failure detection routine. Moreover, it presents results of an 8-months test phase with 100 PV systems in three European countries.     

New control strategy for 2-stage grid-connected photovoltaic power system

This work deals with the performances and responses of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) plant in normal and disturbed modes. The system is composed of a solar array, a dc–dc converter and a three-phase inverter connected to the utility grid. On the one hand a suitable control of the dc–dc converter is developed in order to extract the maximum amount of power from the PV generator. On the other hand an active and reactive power control approach (PQ) has been presented for the inverter. This method can provide a current with sinusoidal waveform and ensure a high power factor. Therefore, the grid interface inverter transfers the energy drawn from the PV into the grid by ensuring constant dc link voltage. Modeling and controlling were carried out using the informational graph of causality and the macroscopic energy representation methods. The simulation under MATLAB/SIMULINK and the experimental results show the control performance and dynamic behavior of grid-connected PV system in normal and disturbances modes.     

微网中光伏发电系统的储能控制研究

利用可再生能源（如太阳能和风能）的分布式发电,其输出是典型的不稳定,这些不稳定的输出对现有的电力系统产生负面影响。为了减少负面影响,需要控制在微网中的各个分布式电源的输出。设计了一种基于蓄电池储能的并网光伏发电系统结构,结合功率流动的控制策略介绍了各部分的运行原理,对系统能流模型进行了详细分析,根据电池的特性设计了充放电的控制策略。在PSCAD平台下对设计的模型进行仿真,通过在不同能流模型下控制策略仿真分析,验证所提出储能方案的正确合理性,对功率平衡起到很好的调节作用。     

Optimal sizing of grid-connected photovoltaic energy system in Saudi Arabia

Resource optimization is a major factor in the assessment of the effectiveness of renewable energy systems. Various methods have been utilized by different researchers in planning and sizing the grid-connected PV systems. This paper analyzes the optimal photovoltaic (PV) array and inverter sizes for a grid-connected PV system. Unmet load, excess electricity, fraction of renewable electricity, net present cost (NPC) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions percentage are considered in order to obtain optimal sizing of the grid-connected PV system. An optimum result, with unmet load and excess electricity of 0%, for serving electricity in Makkah, Saudi Arabia is achieved with the PV inverter size ratio of R = 1 with minimized CO₂ emissions. However, inverter size can be downsized to 68% of the PV nominal power to reduce the inverter cost, and hence decrease the total NPC of the system.     

A grid-connected photovoltaic power conversion system with single-phase multilevel inverter

This paper presents a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power conversion system based on a single-phase multilevel inverter. The proposed system fundamentally consists of PV arrays and a single-phase multilevel inverter structure. First, configuration and structural parts of the PV assisted inverter system are introduced in detail. To produce reference output voltage waves, a simple switching strategy based on calculating switching angles is improved. By calculated switching angles, the reference signal is produced as a multilevel shaped output voltage wave. The control algorithm and operational principles of the proposed system are explained. Operating PV arrays in the same load condition is a considerable point; therefore a simulation study is performed to arrange the PV arrays. After determining the number and connection types of the PV arrays, the system is configured through the arrangement of the PV arrays. The validity of the proposed system is verified through simulations and experimental study. The results demonstrate that the system can achieve lower total harmonic distortion (THD) on the output voltage and load current, and it is capable of operating synchronous and transferring power values having different characteristic to the grid. Hence, it is suitable to use the proposed configuration as a PV power conversion system in various applications.     

Comparison of two PV array models for the simulation of PV systems using five different algorithms for the parameters identification

Simulation is of primal importance in the prediction of the produced power and automatic fault detection in PV grid-connected systems (PVGCS). The accuracy of simulation results depends on the models used for main components of the PV system, especially for the PV module. The present paper compares two PV array models, the five-parameter model (5PM) and the Sandia Array Performance Model (SAPM). Five different algorithms are used for estimating the unknown parameters of both PV models in order to see how they affect the accuracy of simulations in reproducing the outdoor behavior of three PVGCS. The arrays of the PVGCS are of three different PV module technologies: Crystalline silicon (c-Si), amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and micromorph silicon (a-Si:H/μc-Si:H).The accuracy of PV module models based on the five algorithms is evaluated by means of the Route Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the Normalized Mean Absolute Error (NMAE), calculated for different weather conditions (clear sky, semi-cloudy and cloudy days). For both models considered in this study, the best accuracy is obtained from simulations using the estimated values of unknown parameters delivered by the ABC algorithm. Where, the maximum error values of RMSE and NMAE stay below 6.61% and 2.66% respectively.     

Coordinated control strategy for a PV-storage grid-connected system based on a virtual synchronous generator

Due to the characteristics of intermittent photovoltaic power generation and power fluctuations in distributed photovoltaic power generation, photovoltaic grid-connected systems are usually equipped with energy storage units. Most of the structures combined with energy storage are used as the DC side. At the same time, virtual synchronous generators have been widely used in distributed power generation due to their inertial damping and frequency and voltage regulation. For the PV-storage grid-connected system based on virtual synchronous generators, the existing control strategy has unclear function allocation, fluctuations in photovoltaic inverter output power, and high requirements for coordinated control of PV arrays, energy storage units, and photovoltaic inverters, which make the control strategy more complicated. In order to solve the above problems, a control strategy for PV-storage grid-connected system based on a virtual synchronous generator is proposed. In this strategy, the energy storage unit implements maximum power point tracking, and the photovoltaic inverter implements a virtual synchronous generator algorithm, so that the functions implemented by each part of the system are clear, which reduces the requirements for coordinated control. At the same time, the smooth power command is used to suppress the fluctuation of the output power of the photovoltaic inverter. The simulation validates the effectiveness of the proposed method from three aspects: grid-connected operating conditions, frequency-modulated operating conditions, and illumination sudden-drop operating condition. Compared with the existing control strategies, the proposed method simplifies the control strategies and stabilizes the photovoltaic inverter fluctuation in the output power of the inverter.     

Experimental assessment of the waveform distortion in grid-connected photovoltaic installations

This paper provides a multi-faceted view on the characterization of the waveform distortion in grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) plants from experimental results. The focus is set on the characterization of the waveform distortion occurring under different operating conditions in field measurements and laboratory tests. The assessment is carried out by considering the system-based point of view, on the basis of the measurements gathered at the interface between the PV plant and the grid or the supply point in the laboratory. New methodological hints on the formulation of the experimental tests are provided. The results of the waveform distortion analysis for harmonic currents and voltages are compared to the requirements of present power quality standards, indicating that in practical cases the current distortion can be significantly higher than in normal test conditions. Furthermore, the key aspect concerning harmonic and interharmonic modelling of multiple grid-connected PV inverters is addressed. Experimental results on plant configurations with multiple PV inverters show that low-order harmonics sum up almost arithmetically, whereas the higher-order harmonics and the interharmonics sum up in an almost Euclidean way.     

光伏发电并网大电网面临的问题与对策

妥善解决光伏发电系统接入大电网后2部分都能安全、高效运行是光伏发电技术大规模工业化应用的关键之一。分析了光伏发电系统及其并网的技术特点,简要阐述了光伏发电并网问题的研究现状。指出光伏发电大规模并网使大电网在研究与实验验证手段、对光伏发电系统影响大电网机理的认识、新型配电系统的规划、电网运行控制、电网监测保护与控制装备、技术标准与规范等方面面临新的问题,并提出了应对这些问题的策略。     

Enhancement of grid-connected photovoltaic system using ANFIS-GA under different circumstances

In recent years, many different techniques are applied in order to draw maximum power from photovoltaic (PV) modules for changing solar irradiance and temperature conditions. Generally, the output power generation of the PV system depends on the intermittent solar insolation, cell temperature, efficiency of the PV panel and its output voltage level. Consequently, it is essential to track the generated power of the PV system and utilize the collected solar energy optimally. The aim of this paper is to simulate and control a grid-connected PV source by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and genetic algorithm (GA) controller. The data are optimized by GA and then, these optimum values are used in network training. The simulation results indicate that the ANFIS-GA controller can meet the need of load easily with less fluctuation around the maximum power point (MPP) and can increase the convergence speed to achieve the MPP rather than the conventional method. Moreover, to control both line voltage and current, a grid side P/Q controller has been applied. A dynamic modeling, control and simulation study of the PV system is performed with the Matlab/Simulink program.     

基于分区控制的光伏并网发电运行研究

具有无功补偿功能的光伏并网发电对改善电网电压分布、降低网损及提高电网末端地区的供电质量、节省无功补偿设备投资具有重要作用。提出分区控制的思想用于光伏并网功率调节控制,给出了区域划分的基本原则,详细分析了光伏并网发电系统的运行区域及耦合电感的选择等问题,讨论了当光照条件不变时并网点电压变化对分区运行点的影响,并提出基于全微分思想的修正方法。通过算例模拟了分区控制的过程,结果表明,所提光伏发电系统并网后对配电网电压水平具有显著的改善作用,验证了分区控制方法的有效性。