Inverter topologies and control structure in photovoltaic applications: A review

• Published in: Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy 2011-01, Vol.3 (1), p.012701-012701-23
• Main Authors: Nema, Savita, Nema, R. K., Agnihotri, Gayatri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1941-7012; 1941-7012
• DOI: 10.1063/1.3505096

The inverter is an integral component of the power conditioning unit of a photovoltaic power system and employs various dc/ac converter topologies and control structure. It has to meet various international standards before it can be put in commercial use. The function of inverter in distributed power generation system on top of photovoltaic generation includes dc-ac conversion, output power quality assurance, various protection mechanisms, and system controls. The requirements in terms of low cost, high efficiency, high reliability, and tolerance over wide range of input voltage variations have driven the inverter development toward simpler topologies, lower component counts, and tighter modular design. Historically, the inverters employed in PV technology may be classified based on number of power processing stages, type of power decoupling, types of interconnection between the stages, and types of grid interface. Based on power processing stage, the inverter may be classified as single stage and multiple stage inverters. This paper presents a comprehensive review of various inverter topologies and control structure employed in PV applications with associated merits and demerits. The paper also gives the recent trends in the development of PV applications.