A novel grid impedance estimation technique based on adaptive virtual resistance control loop applied to distributed generation inverters

The penetration of the distributed power generation systems (DPGSs) based on renewable sources (PV, WT) is strongly dependent on the quality of the power injected to the utility grid. However, the grid impedance variation, mainly caused by grid faults somewhere in the electric network, can degrade the power quality and even damage some sensitive loads connected at the point of the common coupling (PCC). This paper presents detection-estimation method of the grid impedance variation. This estimation tehnique aims to improve the dynamic of the distributed generation (DG) interfacing inverter control and to take the decision of either keep the DG connected, or disconnect it from the utility grid. The proposed method is based on a fast and easy grid fault detection method. A virtual damping resistance is used to drive the system to the resonance in order to extract the grid impedance parameters, both resistive and inductive parts, using resonant filter frequency determination. Theoretical analysis and simulation results are presented to validate the proposed method.