Research perspectives and state-of-the-art methods in photovoltaic microgrids

Abstract

Purpose Increased investment of a photovoltaic (PV) array makes it essential for the client to attain better results from the PV system. The nonlinearity of the PV array and the revolution and rotation of the earth require the appliance of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to the system. Accordingly, grid connected PV systems have turn out to be renowned, because they do not require battery back-ups to accomplish MPPT. Stand-alone systems could also attain MPPT; however, they require appropriate battery back-ups for this function. Design/methodology/approach This survey intends to formulate a review on the PV-based microgrid (MG) systems. Here, the literature analyses on diverse techniques associated with PV-based MG systems. It reviews 65 research papers and states the significant analysis. Initially, the analysis depicts various controllers that are contributed in different papers. Subsequently, the analysis also focuses on various features such as PV capacity and inverter topology, and it also analyses the renewable grid source that are exploited in each paper. Furthermore, this paper provides the detailed study regarding the chronological review and performance achievements in each contribution. Finally, it extends the various research issues which can be useful for the researchers to accomplish further research on PV-based MG systems. Findings This paper has presented a detailed review on PV-based MG systems that were enumerated in the above sections. Here, various controllers along with their better achievements were analyzed and described. From the review, it was known that several PV-based MG systems were really at the point for enabling better power output and conversion efficiency. In conclusion, this paper reviewed about 65 research papers and declared the significant analysis. Initially, the analysis also focused on various controller classifications in PV-based MG systems that were reviewed in this paper. Subsequently, the analysis also focused on various features, such as PV capacity and inverter topology. The analysis also reviewed the performance achievements and renewable gird source that were exploited in PV-based MG systems. At last, this paper has presented various research issues which can be useful for the researchers to accomplish further research on the features of PV-based MG systems. Originality/value This paper presents a brief analysis of PV-based MG systems. This is the first work that uses PV-based MG systems for better regulation of MPPT.