Experimenting with Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems Through Modeling and Simulation of Grid Inverters

Abstract

This study develops MATLAB/Simulink inverter simulation models for grid-connected photovoltaic systems (GCPV). This work contributes to the development of a comprehensive GCPV system simulation model. Sunlight and temperature at the PV array feed the inverter simulation model, which outputs AC electricity. Phase-shift control synchronizes the inverter output with the utility grid at unity power factor. The model is tested using data from a 45.35 kWp GCPV system at the Malaysia Green Technology Corporation (MGTC) in Bangi, Malaysia. The model's validation is based on RMSE and MAPE. Simulation findings revealed that the inverter output power is adequate, with only minor variance from the actual data. The de-rating variables in this study were wrongly forecasted.