Disturbances in Parallelly Operating PV Inverters While Islanding State Detection

Szymon Barczentewicz (), Tomasz Lerch and Andrzej Wetula
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Szymon Barczentewicz: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Tomasz Lerch: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Andrzej Wetula: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-16

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) inverters are key elements in modern distributed generation systems. One of the critical requirements for their reliable operation is islanding detection, as defined by IEEE 1547.1-2020 and PN-EN 62116 standards. This study investigates the performance of 28 commercially available, low-voltage, prosumer-dedicated PV inverters under unintentional islanding conditions, analyzing detection time, voltage amplitude, frequency deviations, and rate of change of frequency (ROCOF). Experimental results confirm that while most units comply with the 2 s disconnection limit, significant variability in reaction times was observed, with some units exceeding standard thresholds. Moreover, deviations in voltage and frequency indicate that in many cases, power quality standards were not maintained, potentially leading to safety and stability concerns. In the second stage of tests, a parallel operation of inverters was examined, revealing additional disturbances, such as voltage swells and beat phenomena caused by phase-locked loop (PLL) desynchronization. A simplified theoretical model confirmed the possibility of resonance and oscillatory interactions between parallel inverters during islanding. These findings highlight the need for improved coordination and control strategies for distributed generation based on inverters, particularly in microgrid applications.

Keywords: distributed generation; islanding detection; PV inverters; phasor technology (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: 2025
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