Experimental investigation of the impact of environmental parameters on the supraharmonic emissions of PV inverters

Abstract

Modern electricity networks are facing significant challenges in terms of power quality due to the increasing integration of power electronics. Even though low order harmonic control has largely been achieved, the emergence of supraharmonics is becoming a new cause for concern. This topic has gained interest in the past decade since power quality issues have become important due to the proliferation of highly sensitive electrical and electronic equipment. This special case of harmonics is mainly due to the power electronic converters utilized in industrial as well as residential applications, including electromobility, motor drive systems, and photovoltaic installations. While the adverse effects of supraharmonics have been pointed out in numerous studies and intensive research is underway on the crucial subject of supraharmonic measurements, the parameters affecting their levels have not received adequate attention. We attempted to shed more light on this important issue in the specific case of a small grid-connected PV system. In particular, the supraharmonic emission levels of the system were investigated through experimental measurements, and useful conclusions on the impact of specific environmental factors were derived.

Keywords

• supraharmonics
• environmental factors
• photovoltaics
• distributed generation
• fourier transform