Research on Inverter Integrated Reactive Power Control Strategy in the Grid-Connected PV Systems

• Main Authors: Hua Li, Che Wen, Kuei-Hsiang Chao, Ling-Ling Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2017-07-01
• Series: Energies
• Subjects: photovoltaic (PV) system; grid-connected; inverter control; power quality; integrated reactive power control strategy
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/10/7/912

In order to solve the problems caused by the susceptibility to changing weather conditions and the complex load conditions of photovoltaic (PV) systems, and the fact a single target inverter control strategy cannot effectively mitigate large voltage fluctuations at point of common coupling (PCC), an integrated reactive power control strategy for PV inverters is proposed. According to the weather and load conditions, this strategy is divided into four control modes: normal operation control mode, reverse power control mode, cloudy control mode and night control mode. The four control modes switch between each other under the specific switching rules to ensure an appropriate quantity of reactive power injection or consumption in the PV inverter. The effects of the four control modes in isolated operation were significant. The deviation rate of PCC voltage from its standard value was mitigated at about 2% under the integrated control strategy. Therefore, the proposed control strategy has a high application value in improving power quality and maximizing utilization of PV inverters.