Photovoltaic Power Injection Control Based on a Virtual Synchronous Machine Strategy

Abstract

The increasing participation of photovoltaic sources in power grids presents the challenge of enhancing power quality, which is affected by the intrinsic characteristics of these sources, such as variability and lack of inertia. This power quality degradation mainly generates variations in both voltage magnitude and frequency, which are more pronounced in microgrids. In fact, the magnitude problem is particularly present in the distribution systems, where photovoltaic sources are spread along the grid. Due to the power converter’s lack of inertia, frequency problems can be seen throughout the network. Grid-forming control strategies in photovoltaic systems have been proposed to address these problems, although most proposed solutions involve either a direct voltage source or energy storage systems, thereby increasing costs. In this paper, a photovoltaic injection system is designed with a virtual synchronous machine control strategy to provide voltage and frequency support to the grid. The maximum power point tracking algorithm is adapted to provide the direct voltage reference and inject active power according to the droop frequency control. The control strategy is validated through simulations and key experimental setup tests. The results demonstrate that it is possible to inject photovoltaic power and provide voltage and frequency support.