Abstract:
Population growth is driving up power demand; this, in principle, can give rise
to energy production and distribution. Clean, green, and sustainable energy sources
have drawn attention as the world has advanced. SDG 7 (Sustainable Development
Goals) from “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development” assures that by the end of 2030, everyone will have access to modern,
sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy.
This study aims to simulate and analyze a 400 kW grid-connected photovoltaic
(PV) system. Specifically, we aim to find a valid performance range for the presented
system. The system is made up of four PV arrays with a capacity of 100 kW. The PV
arrays are connected to DC/DC boost converter where the individual maximum power
point trackers (MPPT) are located. Using MPPT enables the system to extract the PV
array’s maximum productivity. To find the maximum power point, Perturb and
Observe (P&O) technique was used. A three-phase voltage source converter (VSC) is
used in the simulated system to convert 500 V DC to 260 V AC while keeping a unity
power factor. In addition, a three-phase coupling transformer with a capacity of 400
kVA 260 V/25 kV is designed to connect the converter to the power grid. The
simulated utility grid is a typical North American grid, including a 25 kV distribution
feeder and 120 kV equivalent transmission system. Both active and reactive loads were
investigated in this study. The system was tested under different load conditions, such
as series and parallel RLC loads with different load profiles.
