Multi-functional solar inverter for grid harmonic elimination

Declining solar prices have led to large scale adoption of solar inverters. Presently, many industries use their solar installation only for active power generation, and not for other possible applications like grid harmonic eliminations or support. This results in reduced utilization. High harmonics generated due to non-linear and switching loads is a typical problem for industries, particularly when sent to the grid. Passive filters are typically used to eliminate harmonics, though their fixed filtering capabilities and size are disadvantages. Active power filters (APF) have the advantage of selective harmonic elimination, but are costly. The hardware architecture of solar inverters and APF is same and can be used interchangeable with only a change in controls. It would be ideal if an already installed solar inverter in a facility could be used for harmonic elimination as well. Matlab based analysis on this concept under different operating modes, including day-time, night-time is performed.