Online Detection of Fundamental and Interharmonics in AC Mains for Parallel Operation of Multiple Grid-Connected Power Converters

Parallel operation of multiple grid-connected power converters through LCL filters is known to have the potential problem of triggering oscillations in the ac mains. Such oscillatory frequencies are not integral multiples of the fundamental frequency and, hence, form a new source of interharmonics. Early detection of such oscillations is essential for the parallel power converters to move out of the unstable zone. This paper presents an online observer-based algorithm that can perform fast detection of interharmonics within a specified frequency band. The algorithm has been adopted in a specific and reduced form from an integral observer algorithm for detection of fundamental and interharmonic voltage components in the ac mains. A new method based on the kernel signal for fast interharmonic detection is proposed and practically verified. It has been implemented in a digital controller to detect oscillations such as those occurring between two grid-connected power converters. The practical results indicate that the algorithm can locate such frequency within the specific frequency band within one mains cycle.