Performance Analysis of Solar PV Array and Battery Integrated Unified Power Quality Conditioner for Microgrid Systems

In this article, a methodology for implementation of an automated transition of a solar PV array and battery integrated unified power quality conditioner (PV-B-UPQC) between standalone and grid connected modes of operation is presented and analyzed. This system consists of a shunt and series active filters connected back to back with a common dc-link. The system addresses the issue of the integrating power quality improvement along with the generation of clean energy. Moreover, due to the automated transition, the critical loads have continuous power supply irrespective of grid availability. The key challenges addressed are implementation of automated transition in a PV-B-UPQC system with minimal disturbance to the local loads. The system operation is validated through experimentation under a number of dynamic conditions such as automated transition, supply voltage variations, unavailability of the grid, variation in solar power generation, load variation, etc., which are typically encountered in a modern distribution network.