PV Inverter Based Fair Power Quality Control

• Published in: IEEE transactions on smart grid 2023-09, Vol.14 (5), p.1-1
• Main Authors: Vadavathi, A.R., Hoogsteen, G., Hurink, J.L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Analytical models; Costs; Distributed power generation; Distribution networks; Inverters; Low voltage; Neutral currents; Overvoltage; Photovoltaic cells; Power control; Power generation control; Production; Quality control; Reactive power; Transformers; Unbalance; Voltage control
• ISSN: 1949-3053; 1949-3061
• DOI: 10.1109/TSG.2023.3244601

Low voltage distribution networks incorporating solar photovoltaic (PV) panels experience overvoltage and voltage unbalance during periods of low load and high PV generation. Resolving overvoltage by active power curtailment (APC) is an effective and cost-efficient solution. However, current APC techniques result in excessive and unfair power curtailment for prosumers at the sensitive parts of the grid that might induce neutral current. In this work, an analytical approach for fair APC and Reactive Power Control is presented for voltage regulation along with neutral current compensation. The desired power quality is maintained by controlling each phase of the PV inverter independently. The proposed algorithm regulates the voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) within grid limits, eliminates neutral current, and reduces the grid unbalance. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that reducing the neutral current reduces the voltage at the PCC and consequently decreases the power curtailment required for overvoltage regulation.