Power Ramp-Rate Control via power regulation for storageless grid-connected photovoltaic systems. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Riquelme-Dominguez, Jose Miguel; García-López, Francisco De Paula; Martinez, Sergio
• Is Part Of: International journal of electrical power & energy systems. Volume 138(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: 0000 -- 1111; Ancillary services -- Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (C-HIL) -- Low inertia power systems -- Maximum Power Point estimation -- Power Ramp-Rate Control (PRRC); Electrical engineering -- Periodicals; Electric power systems -- Periodicals; Électrotechnique -- Périodiques; Réseaux électriques (Énergie) -- Périodiques; Electric power systems; Electrical engineering; Periodicals; 621.3
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijepes.2021.107848
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-0615

Abstract

Abstract: Photovoltaic Power Ramp-Rate Control (PRRC) constitutes a key ancillary service for future power systems. Although its implementation through the installation of storage systems or irradiance sensors has been widely investigated, fewer studies have explored the power curtailment approach. The latter lacks efficiency, as it voluntarily produces power discharges, yet it is a cost-effective solution in terms of capital expenditures. This paper proposes a novel storageless and sensorless photovoltaic PRRC for grid-connected applications in which the photovoltaic power, rather than the voltage, is the controlled magnitude. The aforementioned contribution makes the effective tracking of the power ramp-rate limit possible compared to the existing methods in the literature. The method is assisted by a real-time curve-fitting algorithm that estimates the Maximum Power Point while operating suboptimally. Thus, no direct temperature or irradiance measurement systems are needed. The validation of the proposed PRRC strategy has been tested by simulation and compared to another approach available in the literature, considering real-field highly variable irradiance data. Experimental validation of the proposed strategy has been performed in real time via Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop. Highlights: A novel storageless PV power ramp-rate control strategy is introduced. The PV system maintains active power reserves to smooth irradiance fluctuations. PV power is controlled instead of PV voltage. Particularly suitable for highly fluctuating irradiance conditions. Real-time application validated with Controller Hardware-in-the-loop.