Small-signal stability analysis of photovoltaic generation connected to weak AC grid

Abstract

Abstract A small-signal model of photovoltaic (PV) generation connected to weak AC grid is established based on a detailed model of the structure and connection of a PV generation system. An eigenvalue analysis is then employed to study the stability of PV generation for different grid strengths and control parameters in a phase-locked loop (PLL) controller in the voltage source converter. The transfer function of the power control loop in the dq rotation frame is developed to reveal the influence mechanism of PLL gains on the small-signal stability of PV generation. The results can be summarized as follows: ① oscillation phenomena at a frequency of about 5 Hz may occur when the grid strength is low; ② the tuning control parameters of the PLL have a noticeable effect on the damping characteristics of the system, and larger proportional gain can improve the system damping;③ within a frequency range of 4-5 Hz, the PLL controller has positive feedback on the power loop of PV generation. A virtual inductance control strategy is proposed to improve the operational stability of PV generation. Finally, a simulation model of PV generation connected to weak AC grid is built in PSCAD/EMTDC and the simulation results are used to validate the analysis.

Keywords

• Photovoltaic generation
• Weak AC grid
• Small-signal model
• Eigenvalue analysis
• Virtual inductance control strategy