Photovoltaic grid-connected inverter development board

What is grid connected solar microinverter reference design?

Microchip’s Grid-Connected Solar Microinverter Reference Design demonstrates the flexibility and power of SMPS dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers in Grid-Connected Solar Microinverter systems. This reference design has a maximum output power of 215 Watts and ensures maximum power point tracking for PV panel voltages between 20V to 45V DC.

What are grid-interactive solar PV inverters?

Grid-interactive solar PV inverters must satisfy the technical requirements of PV energy penetration posed by various country's rules and guidelines. Grid-connected PV systems enable consumers to contribute unused or excess electricity to the utility grid while using less power from the grid.

What is the control design of a grid connected inverter?

The control design of this type of inverter may be challenging as several algorithms are required to run the inverter. This reference design uses the C2000 microcontroller (MCU) family of devices to implement control of a grid connected inverter with output current control.

Do grid connected solar PV inverters increase penetration of solar power?

The different solar PV configurations, international/ national standards and grid codes for grid connected solar PV systems have been highlighted. The state-of-the-art features of multi-functional grid-connected solar PV inverters for increased penetration of solar PV power are examined.

Can grid-connected PV inverters improve utility grid stability?

Grid-connected PV inverters have traditionally been thought as active power sources with an emphasis on maximizing power extraction from the PV modules. While maximizing power transfer remains a top priority, utility grid stability is now widely acknowledged to benefit from several auxiliary services that grid-connected PV inverters may offer.

How to connect a PV inverter to a grid?

To connect the PV inverter to grid, a precise state machine must be followed to start the flyback stage, connect the relay, and start the inverter. The software must detect the grid frequency and adjust the DC bus voltage regulation parameters. Figure 46 illustrates the state machine used for the PV inverter system.