A study on performance improvement of grid connected solar PV inverter with active and reactive power control using soft computing techniques

Abstract

newline A critical search is required for alternative energy sources to satisfy the present day s power demand because of the quick utilization of fossil fuel resources. Also, global warming, pollution, and climate changes need attention to diminish our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. According to World Energy Outlook 2021, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) sustained to grow rapidly in the energy market. Among these, solar energy has been considered primarily due to its wealth on the earth s surface. A solar energy system converts solar irradiances into electrical energy using solar PV panels; the power is distributed to the unity grid or electrical load through solar PV inverters. Solar PV inverters play a vital role in the solar energy system. The inverters are primarily classified into standalone inverters and grid-connected inverters. The grid-connected PV inverters are more popular than off-grid inverters due to their simple, reliable operation and maximum energy utilization. The grid-connected PV Inverter with reactive power capability is one of the recent developments in the field. These types of inverters can produce reactive power in the absence of solar irradiations; if necessary, the inverter can operate with reactive power mode based on the user-set reference value, even if the PV power is available. The reactive power is generally required for the grid voltage regulation and to maintain the power factor, which improves the power handling capacity of the system. In addition, the induction-type wind generator demands a large amount of reactive power in a hybrid energy system.