Advance controls for photovoltaic inverters

Large-scale deployment of solar power faces significant challenges integrating into the grid. Centralized PV solar generation can be subject to intermittency. Clouds inevitably pass over solar farms, resulting in problems such as voltage fluctuations, distribution losses and reduced power quality and power balancing. The only way PV generation will integrate with the grid on a large scale is for it to grow up and act like any other power plant. This paper introduces a unique controller for highly distributed AC PV modules organized in a large virtual power plant (VPP). The AC module handles reactive power injection and voltage support in close proximity to regular generators by emulating the generator performance and reactance. These AC modules offer better ramp control to mitigate the effects of power fluctuations. These advanced control algorithms are integrated into a 250 VA AC module and results are provided for several applications including micro-grids.