Power Quality Improvement in Utility Grid Integrated with Solar PV Plant by Employing an Adaptive Current Regulator

Abstract

Introduction: Integrating renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, into the utility-grid is crucial for the present-day power situation. The usage of various power processing units in this integration process produces harmonics which may lead to malfunction of the sensitive equipment that is connected to point of common-coupling.

Objectives: To lessen the harmonics that were produced in the system  and also to achieve high voltage-levels at common bus.

Methods: Recurrent neural network (RNN)-based nonlinear intelligence approach is used. A novel adaptable (Hebbian least square mean based RNN) current˗regulator is proposed in this work for enhancing the power quality and performance of grid-interfacing voltage source inverter. Also, for achieving high voltage-levels at a common bus, a high gain DC-DC converter along with PSO based MPPT algorithm is designed.

Results: The performance of this system using the novel current control˗regulator is evaluated using MATLAB/Simulink. Using PSO MPPT and a high-gain boost converter with an RNN current controller, this project achieves better power quality and reduces THD below 5% under unbalanced voltage

Conclusion: Simulation results show superior performance and faster settling time compared to Kalman MPPT-based systems. Comparing to conventional PI controller, the proposed approach have several advantages, including a better ability to reduce harmonic distortions, greater adaptability, improved stability, and reduced settling time.