Grid Connected Photovoltaic Power Systems

Overviews operation, design, control and grid integration of photovoltaic energy Photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the fastest growing energy technologies in the world, with the potential to become the most important renewable energy technology globally. Having reached grid parity in some countries, it is expected that the continuous reduction in system costs will continue to accelerate industry growth. As such, there is an increasing need for qualified professionals with more understanding of the design, operation, control, and grid integration aspects of photovoltaic power. Grid Connected Photovoltaic Power Systems contributes to this need, taking a uniquely holistic look at the generation and integration of photovoltaic energy into the grid. The key elements of the photovoltaic system are described, together with modelling and control methods. These are applied to exemplify the design and optimization of a PV power plant. Finally, the process for integrating the PV energy into the grid is detailed, including grid requirements, plant control and grid support functionalities. Key features: Overall view on PV power systems, from panels to grid integration. Comprehensive and structured overview of PV modelling and PV inverter technology. The latest grid integration requirements along with grid support functions. Additional material provided in the form of Matlab and PLECS simulation models, as well as a collection of slides, freely available via a companion website. Prepared by leading experts in energy conversion, this resource is essential reading for graduate students with a background in electrical engineering, as well as professionals in the PV systems industry.