Control of photovoltaic generators to enhance voltage quality

Abstract

With the rapid development of the economy and society, global consumption of

energy shows continuous increase. However, fossil fuel resources on earth are finite

and therefore with the depletion of the fuel resources, new and sustainable resource

to substitute for the fossil fuels will be needed. Due to their clean, renewable and

environmental-friendly characteristics, solar energy can be actively considered.

In power system, the most common operating mode of photovoltaic (PV) generators

is that of maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Unfortunately, with MPPT, the

PV generators are unable to provide additional power when there is a need to provide

power support for voltage stabilization during system disturbances.

As MPPT is affected through the use of power converters, this project shall examine

the potential of achieving voltage regulation by allowing the PV generators to

operate at non-MPPT mode. By operating at less than the maximum power level, the

PV would have the reserves which can be used to regulate network voltage. This will

c3ll for a redesign of the converter control scheme to emulate the function of

conventional power generators so as to achieve rapid voltage regulation.