Active Power Control to Mitigate Frequency Deviations in Large-Scale Grid-Connected PV System Using Grid-Forming Single-Stage Inverters

Abstract

Over the last few years, the number of grid-connected photovoltaic systems (GCPVS) has expanded substantially. The increase in GCPVS integration may lead to operational issues for the grid. Thus, modern GCPVS control mechanisms should be used to improve grid efficiency, reliability, and stability. In terms of frequency stability, conventional generating units usually have a governor control that regulates the primary load frequency in cases of imbalance situations. This control should be activated immediately to avoid a significant frequency variation. Recently, renewable distribution generators such as PV power plants (PVPPs) are steadily replacing conventional generators. However, these generators do not contribute to system inertia or frequency stability. This paper proposes a control strategy for a GCPVS with active power control (APC) to support the grid and frequency stability. The APC enables the PVPP to withstand grid disturbances and maintain frequency within a normal range. As a result, PVPP is forced to behave similar to traditional power plants to achieve frequency steadiness stability. Frequency stability can be achieved by reducing the active power output fed into the grid as the frequency increases. Additionally, to maintain power balance on both sides of the inverter, the PV system will produce the maximum amount of active power achievable based on the frequency deviation and the grid inverter’s rating by working in two modes: normal and APC (disturbance). In this study, a large-scale PVPP linked to the utility grid at the MV level was modeled in MATLAB/Simulink with a nominal rated peak output of 2000 kW. Analyses of the suggested PVPP’s dynamic response under various frequency disturbances were performed. In this context, the developed control reduced active power by 4%, 24%, and 44% when the frequency climbed to 50.3 Hz, 50.8 Hz, and 51.3 Hz, respectively, and so stabilized the frequency in the normal range, according to grid-code requirements. However, if the frequency exceeds 51.5 Hz or falls below 47.5 Hz, the PVPP disconnects from the grid for safety reasons. Additionally, the APC forced the PVPP to feed the grid with its full capacity generated (2000 kW) at normal frequency. In sum, the large-scale PVPP is connected to the electrical grid provided with APC capability has been built. The system’s capability to safely ride through frequency deviations during grid disturbances and resume initial conditions was achieved and improved. The simulation results show that the given APC is effective, dependable, and suitable for deployment in GCPVS.

Stochastic Optimal Harmonic Suppression with Permissible Photovoltaic Penetration Level for Grid-Linked Systems using Monte Carlo-Based Hybrid NSGA2-MOPSO

“…The results indicated that the Beta distribution was better (RMSE=0.042308). This is depicted by Figure (7). To ascertain the optimal parameter settings for this particular design strategy, we adopt the same methodology outlined in the study by [1], wherein diverse class parameters are evaluated through a statistical analysis of solutions.…”

“…This is due to the intermittency, non-dispatchable nature of the SPV power, and excessive applications of electronic devices such as inverters and converters [1,5,6]. Among these technical impacts, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) seems to be a fast-growing challenge for power quality [2,7]. According to various studies, including [7,8], extensive utilization of power electronics devices (inverter-based interfaces) gives rise to current and voltage harmonics, which initiate additional transformers and generators core losses as well as transmission losses for conductors.…”

“…Among these technical impacts, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) seems to be a fast-growing challenge for power quality [2,7]. According to various studies, including [7,8], extensive utilization of power electronics devices (inverter-based interfaces) gives rise to current and voltage harmonics, which initiate additional transformers and generators core losses as well as transmission losses for conductors. These losses result in overheating, and disturbance in the life cycles of power equipment and may result in protective devices malfunctioning [9].…”

Estimation of maximum non‐synchronous generation of renewable energy in the South Korea power system based on the minimum level of inertia

“…Recently, renewable energy sources have been used to control active and reactive power outputs using existing technologies and strategies [32][33][34][35][36][37]. However, the existing operational renewable energy sources in South Korea do not require this function at the time of connection.…”

“…A decrease in system inertia degrades the frequency stability by increasing the rate of change of frequency (RoCof) and degrading the frequency nadir [31]. Recently, renewable energy sources have been used to control active and reactive power outputs using existing technologies and strategies [32–37]. However, the existing operational renewable energy sources in South Korea do not require this function at the time of connection.…”