Improving the efficiency of a non-ideal grid coupled to a photovoltaic system with a shunt active power filter using a self-tuning filter and a predictive current controller

Abstract

Introduction. Recently, photovoltaic (PV) systems are increasingly favored for converting solar energy into electricity. PV power systems have successfully evolved from small, standalone installations to large-scale, grid-connected systems. When the nonlinear loads are connected to a grid-tied PV system, the power quality can deteriorate due to the active power supplied by the PV array, there’s a noticeable decline in the quality of power delivered to consumers. Its combination with the shunt active power filter (SAPF) enhances system efficiency. Consequently, this integrated system is adept at not only powering local loads but also at compensating for reactive power and filtering out harmonic currents from the main grid. The novelty of the work describes how an operation of a small scale PV system connected to the low voltage distribution system, and nonlinear load can be achieved, the investigation aims to analyze the system’s behavior and elucidate the advantages of employing various control algorithms. These proposed algorithms are designed to ensure a unity power factor for the utility grid while prioritizing high convergence speed and robustness against load power fluctuations across different levels of solar irradiation affecting the PV modules. The purpose of this work is to enhance the dynamic performance of the SAPF by cooperatively using a self-tuning filter (STF) based instantaneous active and reactive power method (PQ) with a novel predictive current control, enhance the system resilience, ensure optimal management of the total active power between the PV system, the electrical network and the non-linear load by integrating the functionalities of the SAPF under different levels of solar irradiation and maintain the DC-link capacitor voltage constant. Methods. A novel predictive current controller is designed to generate the switching signals piloted the three phase source voltage inverter, also a novel algorithm of instantaneous active and reactive power is developed, based on STF, to extract accurately the harmonic reference under non ideal grid voltage, also the perturb and observe algorithm is used to extract, under step change of solar irradiation, the maximum power point tracking of the PV module and the PI controller is used to maintain constant the DC-link capacitor voltage of the SAPF. Results. The efficacy of the proposed system is primarily centered on the grid side, and the performance evaluation of the control system is conducted using the STF based PQ algorithm and predictive current control. In addition, comprehensive testing encompasses all modes of operation, including scenarios involving distorted voltage sources, step changes in solar radiation, and variations in nonlinear loads. Results highlight superior performance in both transient and stable states, affirming the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed controllers. Practical value. The total harmonic distortion value of the grid current for all tests respects the IEEE Standard 519-1992. References 21, tables 7, figures 25.