Adaptive voltage control for large scale solar PV power plant considering real life factors

Abstract

This paper presents an accurate and realistic estimation of reactive power capability of solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters considering ambient temperature, solar irradiance, and terminal voltage. Based on the accurate estimation of reactive power capability, a self-adaptive voltage controller is proposed to enable solar PV power plant participation in voltage control ancillary service. The proposed accurate and realistic estimation has revealed the possibility of solar PV power plant failing to comply with grid code requirements under extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, the proposed control strategy has shown significantly better effectiveness to utilise solar PV inverter capability, and provide better voltage control support service to the grid.