Integration of solar energy in distribution system through smart inverter functionality

String configuration with miniature inverters attached to the panels is a recent trend. It is important to implement inverters capable of riding through various grid disturbances even in the miniature device level. Solar photovoltaic grid integration challenge during a three phase balanced fault is addressed. A three-phase inverter and associated controllers are presented with a fault ride through (FRT) capability also known as low voltage ride through (LVRT) to control the reactive power support in case of a balanced fault. The solar panel uses the incremental conductance algorithm for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) which is connected to the DC link throughout the fault duration on the grid side. The aforementioned approach shows better results over the no-FRT case. EMTDC/PSCAD software package is used to simulate and validate the effectiveness of the controller design.