Design of a robust and efficient power electronic interface for the grid integration of solar photovoltaic generation systems

Nowadays, the penetration of photovoltaic (PV) solar power generation in distributed generation (DG) systems is growing rapidly. This condition imposes new requirements to the operation and management of the distribution grid, especially when high integration levels are achieved. Under this scenario, the power electronics technology plays a vital role in ensuring an effective grid integration of the PV system, since it is subject to requirements related not only to the variable source itself but also to its effects on the stability and operation of the electric grid. This paper proposes an enhanced interface for the grid connection of solar PV generation systems. The topology employed consists of a three-level cascaded Z-source inverter that allows the flexible, efficient and reliable generation of high quality electric power from the PV plant. A full detailed model is described and its control scheme is designed. The dynamic performance of the designed architecture is verified by computer simulations.