A Robust CIM Based Control Approach for PVECS Interfaced to Local Distribution Network

This article presents a distribution feeder supported single-stage photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion system (PVECS), in which, a voltage source converter is used. It serves for harnessing maximum power from a PV source as well as to inject that harnessed power from PVECS into the distribution feeder with enhanced power quality. The harmonics reduction, distribution feeder currents balancing, power factor correction, compensation of load currents are additional attributes provided by this PVECS as compared to a traditional PV inverter. Moreover, this system also works well in weak distribution network during sag or swell in the grid voltages. The robust correntropy induced metric based normalized least mean fourth algorithm is used here to extract the real power portion of load currents. Besides, this PV contribution is added to distribution feeder currents to improve the dynamic response during varying environmental conditions. Additionally, when solar power is not available, this system serves for power quality enhancement at the distribution network, which makes the system cost effective, because its power converter is utilized up to its extreme level. This control approach is tested at different ambience conditions through a developed prototype in the laboratory either in available solar generation or in absence of it.