Reduction of current harmonics in grid-connected PV inverters using harmonic compensation - conforming to IEEE and IEC standards

Abstract

This paper deals with the reduction of harmonics generated by Grid-Connected PV Inverters to conform to the harmonic limits set by the IEEE and IEC standards. An analysis of the current harmonics present in the output current of a grid-connected inverter will be presented. The inverter will be current controlled by a Proportional-Resonant (PR) current controller. The design and testing of the PR current controller will be presented. This paper will also deal with the application of harmonic compensation to make the inverter compliant to the standards, by using selective harmonic compensators in addition to the Proportional-Resonant (PR) controller. Both simulation and experimental results will be presented. Testing was carried out on a Grid-Connected PV Inverter which was designed and constructed for this research.