Utility-Scale PV-Powered Motor-Generator System with Model-Based MPPT Control

In this paper, a novel approach to improving the grid strength of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) farms is proposed. The proposed PV farm makes use of motor-generator sets that can provide grid strength and stability to the grid. In addition, a model-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control method is developed for controlling the MG set to have maximum power transfer from the solar source to the grid. A simulation model of the proposed PV farm system is developed and evaluated in MATLAB/SIMULINK. The simulation results indicate that the proposed system remains stable during a severe change in solar irradiance. Moreover, the PV-powered MG set is shown to effectively transfer the available solar power to the grid, and its performance is compared to a standard PV farm of the same capacity.