Small-Signal Model and Stability Control for Grid-Connected PV Inverter to a Weak Grid

Abstract

This paper presents a small signal stability analysis to assess the stability issues facing PV (photovoltaic) inverters connected to a weak grid. It is revealed that the cause of the transient instabilities, either high-frequency or low-frequency oscillations, is dominated by the outer control loops and the grid strength. However, most challenging oscillations are low-frequency oscillations induced by coupling interaction between the outer loop controller and PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) when the inverter is connected to a weak grid. Therefore, the paper proposes a low-frequency damping methodology in order to enhance the high system integration, while maintaining the stability of the system. The control method uses a DC link voltage error to modulate the reference reactive current. The proposed control reduces the low-frequency coupling between the DVC (DC link voltage controller), AVC (AC voltage controller) and PLL (Phase-locked loop). According to this study’s results, the performance capability of the grid-connected PV inverter is improved and flexibility in the outer loop controller design is enhanced. The control strategy proposed in this paper is tested using the PLECS simulation software (Plexim GmbH, Zurich Switzerland) and the results are compared with the conventional method.

Keywords

• VSC (voltage source converter)
• PLL (Phase-Locked Loop)
• weak grid
• small signal stability
• eigenvalues