Efficiency analysis of PV-inverter system connected to a network of adjustable speed drives

This paper presents efficiency analysis of a distributed generation system consisting of Photovoltaic (PV) - Inverter system as the renewable energy source connected to a network of Adjustable Speed Drives (ASDs) as the load. A small-scale laboratory of the Photovoltaic, Inverter, ASDSs and Loads system were setup. Two power supplies from Photovoltaic (PV) and grid were connected to two ASDSs with two separate induction motors. Measurements were recorded from which the interaction between the source and the load in this system can be analyzed. Analysis of the result was carried out in which results of both experiments were compared. Furthermore, the worst and best case operating scenarios were indentified from which base-line information for optimum operating conditions is achieved.