Enrique Romero-Cadaval

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Generation Plants: Components and Operation

The main design objective of photovoltaic (PV) systems has been, for a long time, to extract the maximum power from the PV array and inject it into the ac grid. Therefore, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of a uniformly irradiated PV array and the maximization of the conversion efficiency have been the main design issues. However, when the PV plant is connected to the grid, special attention has to be paid to the reliability of the system, the power quality, and the implementation of protection and grid synchronization functions. Modern power plants are required to maximize their energy production, requiring suitable control strategies to solve the problems related to the partial shading phenomena and different orientation of the PV modules toward the sun. Moreover, the new policy concerning the injection of reactive power into the grid makes the development of suitable topologies and control algorithms mandatory. A general view of actual solutions for applications of the PV energy systems is presented. This article covers several important issues, including the most reliable models used for simulation, which are useful in the design of control systems, and the MPPT function, particularly in distributed applications. The main topologies used in the PV power processing system and, finally, grid connection aspects are discussed, with emphasis on synchronization, protections, and integration.

Power Injection System for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Generation Systems Based on Two Collaborative Voltage Source Inverters

This paper presents a new topology for the power injection system that is based on the parallel association of two voltage source inverters. One operates using a quasi-square voltage waveform strategy, and the other operates with a pulsewidth-modulation (PWM)-based strategy. The aims of this topology are to inject the power from the photovoltaic generation system using the quasi-square inverter and to control the current quality using the PWM inverter. The proposal optimizes the system design, permitting the reduction of system losses and an increase of the energy injected into the grid.

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Plants: An Alternative Energy Source, Replacing Conventional Sources

Large photovoltaic (PV) plants are being built all over the world, commonly having ratings up to 1 MW and reaching the level of 250 MW. These plants could be an alternative energy source, replacing conventional sources and solving humanity?s energy dilemma. However, the associated electronic systems, mainly inverters used for interfacing with the grid, have to solve some problems related to the operation in the electric distribution system. They should be reliable, robust, and manageable. This article presents and discusses the most critical points existing in actual inverters, summarizing, explaining, and proposing approaches to solve or mitigate them.

Hybrid Multiconverter Conditioner Topology for High-Power Applications

A novel multiconverter conditioner topology and its control stage are proposed in this paper. It is formed by an active conditioner in parallel with a hybrid conditioner composed of an active filter in series with one or more passive filters. This topology allows the reduction of the inverter ratings, constituting an effective solution at high-power levels. Collaborative control strategies are developed for the new topology, which share the compensation objectives between the two converters. These control strategies and the tracking techniques are based on estimating the load current, achieving new algorithms with a reduction in the number of meters in the control stage. The conditioner operates properly in three-phase four-wire systems reducing the harmonic distortion and/or imbalance and attaining the unity displacement power factor. Experimental results are included for the testing of the topology and its control.

Single phase three-level quasi-z-source inverter with a new boost modulation technique

This paper describes a new modulation technique for a single phase three-level neutral-point-clamped qZS inverter. The proposed converter is intended for applications that require input voltage gain and high quality of the output voltage. The simulation and experimental results are presented and discussed.

Novel method for synchronization to disturbed three-phase and single-phase systems

An autoadjustable synchronous reference frame for extracting the positive-sequence fundamental component of the voltage in the point of common coupling is proposed in this paper. It operates suitably under unbalanced and distorted input voltages, with no steady state error in amplitude, phase and frequency tracking. The dynamic response of the method in case of frequency or amplitude variations is good, achieving the steady state in only two cycles of the fundamental period. The method allows a simple adaptation for being used in single-phase systems too. Simulation and experimental results are presented to test the novel method.

CCM operation analysis of the single-phase three-level quasi-Z-source inverter

This paper presents a CCM analysis of a new modification of a three-level single phase neutral-point-clamped inverter. The proposed topology combines advantages of the three-level neutral-point-clamped full-bridge inverter with those of the quasi-Z-source inverter. The three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-Z-source inverter is especially suitable for renewable energy sources. The steady-state analysis of a three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-Z-source inverter in the case of the continuous conduction mode is presented. The conditions of the continuous conduction mode are obtained and analyzed.

Comparison of Impedance-Source Networks for Two and Multilevel Buck–Boost Inverter Applications

Impedance-source networks are an increasingly popular solution in power converter applications, especially in single-stage buck-boost power conversion to avoid additional front-end dc-dc power converters. In the survey papers published, no analytical comparisons of different topologies have been described, which makes it difficult to choose the best option. Thus, the aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive analytical comparison of the impedance-source-based buck-boost inverters in terms of passive component count and semiconductor stress. Based on the waveform of the input current, i.e., with or without a transformer, and with or without inductor coupling, the impedance-source converters are classified. The main criterion in our comprehensive comparison is the energy stored in the passive elements, which is considered both under constant and predefined high frequency current ripple in the inductors and the voltage ripple across the capacitors. Two-level and multilevel solutions are described. The conclusions provide a “one-stop” information source and a selection guide of impedance-source-based buck-boost inverters for different applications.

Experimental Investigation of high frequency 3L-NPC qZS inverter for photovoltaic application

This paper presents an experimental investigation of a single phase three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-Z-source inverter for photovoltaic application. The prototype and the case study system are described. Experimental results along with theoretical losses analysis are discussed. The implemented maximum power point tracking algorithm was verified in a real photovoltaic system.

A novel nonintrusive load monitoring system based on the S-Transform

This paper presents a new nonintrusive load identification method for home appliances, supported by a computational tool. Load identification is a major topic for emergent concepts such as smart homes and smart grids. The nonintrusive identification is performed using both current and voltage signals acquired from power meter. The method is based on the use of the S-Transform, where the obtained patterns perfectly allow the identification of distinct home appliances. Preliminary experimental results are presented in order to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.