Grid interface of photovoltaic-micro turbine hybrid based power for voltage support and control using VSI in rural applications

In this paper a description of a solar photovoltaic (PV)-micro turbine grid interface using voltage source inverter (VSI) has been given for voltage support and control in rural applications. It is assumed that the availability of power in these areas is poor and unpredictable. In such cases a solar PV-micro turbine hybrid system can be used to complement the existing grid supply to improve its service and provide power when the grid supply is not present. A sliding mode control based operation strategy has been proposed for voltage support and control of the supply system. A PWM based VSI has been used to maintain constant and sinusoidal voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC). It has been shown that in the presence of a weak grid or intermittent presence of grid, the solar PV integrated with micro turbine system can be used for providing essential loads during times of power failure and for voltage support during the times when a weak grid supply is available. The results are validated through PSCAD/EMTDC simulation studies.