Modeling and Simulation of a Grid Interactive Photovoltaic Power Plant

This paper presents a simulation model of the electrical part of a grid interactive photovoltaic system. The model contains a detailed representation of the main components of the system that are the solar array, 3 phase inverter and LC filter inverter control circuit and load. A proper control of the DC/AC inverter is developed in order to synchronize the system to the grid. The grid interface inverter transfers the energy drawn from the photovoltaic (PV) array into the grid by keeping common DC coupling voltage constant. This research paper also focuses on the different PV technologies (amorphous silicon, polycrystalline) and their effect to the system in terms of energy output. A simulation model has been developed with the help of mathematical equations and its output has been verified with working solar PV plant. This paper can be useful for the PV power plant designers to analyze the output of the power plant by using the simulation model. This model is a simplified approach of the system’s individual modules.

Keywords: Grid interface inverter, PV array, Solar PV Plant.

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