Experimental analysis of active power control of the PV system using smart PV inverter for the smart grid system

This paper examines the active power control of a photovoltaic (PV) power generation system. A traditional PV power generation system lacks controllability. However, smart PV inverters provide a mechanism to control the power output of PV generators. Distributed PV generator systems have been increasing for the past few decades as a clean renewable energy resource. As more distributed PV is interconnected to the power grid, the integration of these highly variable resources presents a challenging task for the utility. The power output of the PV generator system is proportional to the solar irradiance. Solar irradiance may vary due to water vapor, clouds, pollution, the season of the year and the time of day. As a result, the power output of a PV generator is a highly varying resource. Coupled with varying loads, the grid frequency and voltage become difficult to manage. One method to control voltage is by active power curtailment of the PV inverter. This paper presents analyses of active power curtailment and its effect on voltage in the Maui Advanced Solar Initiative Project where smart inverters were field deployed in a residential neighborhood.