Active Power Control to Mitigate Frequency Deviations in Large-Scale Grid-Connected PV System Using Grid-Forming Single-Stage Inverters

Ali Q. Al-Shetwi, Walid K. Issa, Raed F. Aqeil, Taha Selim Ustun, Hussein M. K. Al-Masri, Khaled Alzaareer, Maher G. M. Abdolrasol and Majid A. Abdullah
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Ali Q. Al-Shetwi: Electrical Engineering Department, Fahad Bin Sultan University, Tabuk 47721, Saudi Arabia
Walid K. Issa: Electrical Engineering Department, Fahad Bin Sultan University, Tabuk 47721, Saudi Arabia
Raed F. Aqeil: Electrical Engineering Department, Fahad Bin Sultan University, Tabuk 47721, Saudi Arabia
Taha Selim Ustun: Fukushima Renewable Energy Institute, AIST (FREA), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Koriyama 963-0298, Japan
Hussein M. K. Al-Masri: Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
Khaled Alzaareer: Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Philadelphia University, Amman 19392, Jordan
Maher G. M. Abdolrasol: Department of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
Majid A. Abdullah: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Community College, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al-Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: Over the last few years, the number of grid-connected photovoltaic systems (GCPVS) has expanded substantially. The increase in GCPVS integration may lead to operational issues for the grid. Thus, modern GCPVS control mechanisms should be used to improve grid efficiency, reliability, and stability. In terms of frequency stability, conventional generating units usually have a governor control that regulates the primary load frequency in cases of imbalance situations. This control should be activated immediately to avoid a significant frequency variation. Recently, renewable distribution generators such as PV power plants (PVPPs) are steadily replacing conventional generators. However, these generators do not contribute to system inertia or frequency stability. This paper proposes a control strategy for a GCPVS with active power control (APC) to support the grid and frequency stability. The APC enables the PVPP to withstand grid disturbances and maintain frequency within a normal range. As a result, PVPP is forced to behave similar to traditional power plants to achieve frequency steadiness stability. Frequency stability can be achieved by reducing the active power output fed into the grid as the frequency increases. Additionally, to maintain power balance on both sides of the inverter, the PV system will produce the maximum amount of active power achievable based on the frequency deviation and the grid inverter’s rating by working in two modes: normal and APC (disturbance). In this study, a large-scale PVPP linked to the utility grid at the MV level was modeled in MATLAB/Simulink with a nominal rated peak output of 2000 kW. Analyses of the suggested PVPP’s dynamic response under various frequency disturbances were performed. In this context, the developed control reduced active power by 4%, 24%, and 44% when the frequency climbed to 50.3 Hz, 50.8 Hz, and 51.3 Hz, respectively, and so stabilized the frequency in the normal range, according to grid-code requirements. However, if the frequency exceeds 51.5 Hz or falls below 47.5 Hz, the PVPP disconnects from the grid for safety reasons. Additionally, the APC forced the PVPP to feed the grid with its full capacity generated (2000 kW) at normal frequency. In sum, the large-scale PVPP is connected to the electrical grid provided with APC capability has been built. The system’s capability to safely ride through frequency deviations during grid disturbances and resume initial conditions was achieved and improved. The simulation results show that the given APC is effective, dependable, and suitable for deployment in GCPVS.

Keywords: frequency stability; grid integration; active power control; solar PV; frequency ride-through; technical requirements; renewable control (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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