Performance validation of a photovoltaic inverter under enhanced cloud edge conditions

This paper presents simulation results in order to validate the continuous operation of a photovoltaic inverter during cloud edge events. The cloud edge phenomenon is commonly known as the rapid increase in solar irradiance created by the sunlight reflection against the edge of a cloud. If the inverter does not respond properly, it may happen that the dc voltage deviates from the MPPT voltage range of the inverter, thus causing the stop or even damage of the inverter. Therefore, a fast control capability is needed to maintain maximum active power generation during such events. The inverter performance was confirmed to operate continuously during the rapidly changing solar irradiance conditions by simulation.