A Flexible Control Strategy for Multi-Functional PV Inverters with Load Compensation Capabilities Considering Current Limitations and Unbalanced Load Conditions

Abstract

Multi-functional photovoltaic (PV) inverters incorporate ancillary services to enhance power quality and mitigate stability issues in distribution networks. These next-generation PV inverters will achieve a higher utilization of the inverter’s rated capacity, improving the cost-effectiveness of PV technology. However, the power required to perform ancillary services, such as load compensation capabilities, could exceed the inverter’s capacity, risking the components’ integrity. Therefore, multi-functional control algorithms must limit the power capacity according to the system’s nominal currents. Despite this, most control proposals do not address this issue when load balancing capabilities are included for PV inverter control. This paper proposes a flexible control strategy for three-phase multi-functional PV inverters, considering load balancing functionalities while keeping the inverter currents within safe operating limits. The proposal introduces two control parameters whose variation results in different load compensation capabilities. These parameters can be adapted dynamically according to the inverter rated capacity not used for active power injection and the load compensation requirements. Additionally, a control algorithm is proposed to limit the inverter current according to the nominal values supported by the device. This algorithm also allows setting compensation objectives following a priority scheme in which the injection of the PV active power is prioritized over the load compensation functionalities. Reactive power compensation and load balancing functionalities are also considered at a lower level of hierarchical priority. The proposal was evaluated through experimental tests on a multi-functional PV inverter prototype under various operational conditions. The experimental results show an excellent control strategy performance, achieving the control objectives under unbalanced load conditions.