ANALYSIS OF 400-KW GRID-CONNECTED PV FARM UNDER DIFFERENT LOAD CONDITION

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.