A Multifunctional Single-Phase Voltage Source Inverter in Perspective of the Smart Grid Initiative

The primary goal of this paper is the development of "smart" controls for power electronic inverters capable of interfacing a distributed generation (DG) unit to the utility grid. The inverter is designed as a single phase full bridge converter operating at 120 V 60 Hz AC. The "smart" functionalities of the inverter are defined here, in the perspective of the smart grid initiative of the US Department of Energy, as the ability to: supply real power to local loads; supply real power to other utility loads up to the rated capacity of the inverter; provide voltage support at the point of common coupling (PCC); and enable the provision of control options to the consumer based on near real-time electricity information obtained from the utility through advanced metering devices.