Design of a Robust and Efficient Interface for the Grid Connection of Photovoltaic Solar Power Generation

MOLINA, MARCELO GUSTAVO; PACAS, JOSÉ MARIO; DOS SANTOS JR, EUZELI CIPRIANO

Mar del Plata

Congreso; Congreso Iberoamericano de Hidrógeno y Fuentes Sustentables de Energía: HYFUSEN 2011; 2011

Instituto de Energía y Desarrollo Sustentable - Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica

The penetration of photovoltaic (PV) solar power generation in distributed generation (DG) systems is growing rapidly. This condition imposes new requirements to the operation and management of the distribution grid, especially when high penetration levels are achieved. Under this scenario, the power electronics technology plays a vital role in ensuring an effective grid integration of the PV system, since it is subject to requirements related not only to the variable source itself but also to its effects on the stability and operation of the electric grid. This paper proposes an enhanced interface for the grid connection of PV solar systems. The topology employed consists of a three-level cascaded Z-source inverter that allows the flexible, efficient and reliable generation of high quality electric power from the PV plant. A full detailed model is described and its control scheme is designed. The dynamic performance of the designed architecture is verified by computer simulations.