Fault Ride Through approach for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System

Abstract

This paper presents a fault ride-through approach for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems, aimed at improving the system's response during voltage sags and limiting the maximum inverter current during symmetrical faults. A constant active current reactive power injection approach was developed for low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) operation of grid-connected solar PV inverters in low voltage grids. The method manages the active and reactive power references and satisfies grid code requirements while also addressing tripping problems caused by overcurrent. The approach improves the speed response of the power converters during voltage sags, resulting in better dynamic grid support. The authors evaluated the approach using a 2-kW single-phase grid-connected PV system and demonstrated its ability to inject the required reactive power during a fault to improve the voltage profile and achieve dynamic grid support requirements. The accuracy of the proposed methodology is identified to be 98.3%, and the detection time is reduced by a reasonable margin in accordance with the grid standards. Overall, the fault ride-through approach can enhance the performance and reliability of grid-connected PV systems, particularly in low voltage grids.