Inverter startup optimization control for distributed photovoltaic power generation systems

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is affected by the availability and quality of sunlight. Therefore, PV power generation systems must be frequently started-up when the illumination intensity is not stable. To reduce the number of startup and shut-down events, to prolong the service time of PV inverters, and to reduce the associated impact on the power grid, a novel startup optimization control strategy for distributed PV power generation systems is proposed. The proposed algorithm can implement start–stop inverter control according to different PV power generation conditions without modifying the existing hardware architecture, thus minimizing the startup and shut-down events due to insufficient PV power generation. This protects the key equipment in the PV inverter and enhances the ability of the power grid to adapt to new power generation inputs. The proposed optimization control algorithm is verified experimentally and is found to provide a novel solution for the efficient and reliable control of distributed PV power generation systems. The research presented in this paper is expected to be applicable to numerous engineering projects.