Corresponding author: Adel El Shahat

Engineering Science Department, Faculty of Petroleum & Mining Engineering, Suez Canal University,
E-mail: adel.elshahat@ieee.org, adel2029@yahoo.com.
Copyright JASE 2012 on-line: jase.esrgroups.org

J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-54

Regular paper

Stand-alone PV System Simulation for DG
Applications, Part I: PV Module Modeling and
Inverters
Adel El Shahat


JASE
Journal of Automation
& Systems Engineering

Abstract- Distributed generation (DG) offers great potential in meeting future global energy needs.
The dwindling supplies of crude oil and natural gas and the global challenges of climatic change
and other environmental concerns have resulted in rapid growth of alternative energy sources.
This paper investigates stand-alone Photovoltaic (PV) power system simulation to be used locally
on site for distributed generation applications. PV module modeling and inverter techniques are
presented in this paper. The mathematical PV module modeling depends on Schott ASE-300-DGF
PV panel with the aid of MATLAB environment. DC / AC Inverter, Three phase Inverters, Basic
Operation of PWM Inverter, Square wave operation of DC/AC inverter, Single phase and Full
Bridge Converters, Three phase Converters and finally some MATLAB Inverters Results.

Keywords: Distributed generation, Photovoltaic Module, modeling, Inverter and MATLAB.
1. INTRODUCTION
OF LATE, the interest in Distributed Energy Systems (DES) is increasing. Photovoltaic
systems have become increasingly popular and are ideally suited for distributed systems.
Because of strict environmental regulations, the lack of corridors for building high voltage
transmission systems and security issues, larger power plants have become uneconomical in
many regions. Additionally, recent technological advances in small generators, power
electronics, and energy storage devices have provided a new opportunity for distributed
energy resources that are located closer to loads. Many governments have provided the
much needed incentives to promote the utilization of renewable energies, encouraging a
more decentralized approach to power delivery systems. In spite of their relatively high
cost, there has been very remarkable growth in installed Photovoltaic systems. Recent
studies show an exponential increase in the worldwide installed photovoltaic power
capacity. There is ongoing research aimed at reducing the cost and achieving higher
efficiency. Furthermore, new regulatory laws mandating the use of renewable energy have
expanded this market around the world. Currently, photovoltaic generation systems are
actively being promoted in order to mitigate environmental issues such as the green house
effect and air pollution. Solar energy is the world's major renewable energy source and is
available everywhere in different quantities. Photovoltaic panels do not have any moving
parts, operate silently and generate no emissions. Another advantage is that solar
technology is highly modular and can be easily scaled to provide the required power for
different loads [1], [2], [18]. Modeling is a very important part of any engineering practice.
Nowadays with the use of computers and powerful software extremely complex systems
can be simulated and their performance can be predicted and monitored. A typical
photovoltaic system may consist of the solar generator itself and other components that
J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-45


37
maybe any one of the following: storage elements (especially in stand-alone systems); the
utility grid; power converters (DC/DC or Inverters) and associated control circuitry.
Availability of models of all these components (especially for the photovoltaic generator
itself) at all stages in system development is very important in system sizing, cost analysis
and monitoring. Moreover, such models may be tested together with other distributed
system models in order to evaluate and predict the overall system performance [19], [1],
[2], [20], [21], [22]. A significant amount of fuel cell research focuses on fundamental
issues of performance and cost [3-6]. Since the power harvested from the photovoltaic
module is different at various operating points it is important that maximum power is
obtained from the photovoltaic module [7- 10]. This paper calculations are based on
practical PV module data in reference [11]. Simple Distributed Generation System with PV
Generating Station introduced in figure 1.

Figure 1 Simple Distributed Generation System with PV Generating Station
2. PV CELL MODEL
The use of equivalent electric circuits makes it possible to model characteristics of a PV cell.
The method used here is implemented in MATLAB programs for simulations. The same
modeling technique is also applicable for modeling a PV module. There are two key
parameters frequently used to characterize a PV cell. Shorting together the terminals of the
cell, the photon generated current will follow out of the cell as a short-circuit current (I
sc
).
Thus, I
ph
= I
sc
, when there is no connection to the PV cell (open-circuit), the photon
generated current is shunted internally by the intrinsic p-n junction diode. This gives the
open circuit voltage (V
oc
). The PV module or cell manufacturers usually provide the values
of these parameters in their datasheets [11]. The ASE-300-DGF/50 is an industrial-grade
solar power module built to the highest standards. Extremely powerful and reliable, the
module delivers maximum performance in large systems that require higher voltages,
including the most challenging conditions of military, utility and commercial installations.
For superior performance, quality and peace of mind, the ASE-300-DGF/50 is renowned as
the first choice among those who recognize that not all solar modules are created equal [11].
The simplest model of a PV cell equivalent circuit consists of an ideal current source in
parallel with an ideal diode. The current source represents the current generated by photons
(often denoted as I
ph
or I
L
), and its output is constant under constant temperature and
constant incident radiation of light. The PV panel is usually represented by the single
exponential model or the double exponential model. The single exponential model is shown
in fig. 2. The current is expressed in terms of voltage, current and temperature as shown in
equation 1 [12].
A. El Shahat: Stand-alone PV System Simulation for DG Applications, Part I

38

Figure 2 Single exponential model of a PV Cell

p
s s
ph
R
IR V
AkT
IR V q
I I I
+

+
= 1
) (
exp
0
(1)

Figure 3 Double exponential model of PV Cell

p
s s
s
s
s ph
R
IR V
AkT
IR V q
I
AkT
IR V q
I I I
+

+
= 1
) (
exp 1
) (
exp
2 1
(2)
Where I
ph
: the photo generated current; I
o
: the dark saturation current; I
s1
: saturation current
due to diffusion; I
s2
: is the saturation current due to recombination in the space charge
layer; I
Rp
: current flowing in the shunt resistance; R
s
: cell series resistance; R
p
: the cell
(shunt) resistance; A: the diode quality factor; q: the electronic charge, 1.6 10
19
C; k:
the Boltzmanns constant, 1.38 10
23
J/K; and T: the ambient temperature, in Kelvin.
Eq.1 and Eq.2 are both nonlinear. Furthermore, the parameters (I
ph
, I
s1
, I
s2
, R
s
, R
sh
and
A) vary with temperature, irradiance and depend on manufacturing tolerance. Numerical
methods and curve fitting can be used to estimate [12], [13].
There are three key operating points on the IV curve of a photovoltaic cell. They are the
short circuit point, maximum power point and the open circuit point. At the open circuit
point on the IV curve, V = V
oc
and I = 0. After substituting these values in the single
exponential equation (1) the equation can be obtained [12].

p
oc
oc
o ph
R
V
AkT
qV
I I

= 1 exp 0
(3)
At the short circuit point on the IV curve, I = I
sc
and V = 0. Similarly, using equation (1),
we can obtain.
p
s sc s sc
o ph sc
R
R I
AkT
R qI
I I I

= 1 exp
(4)
At the maximum power point of the IV curve, we have I = I
mpp
and V = V
mpp
. We can use
these values to obtain the following:
J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-45


39
p
s mpp mpp s mpp mpp
o ph mpp
R
R I V
AkT
R I V q
I I I
+

+
= 1
) (
exp
(5)
The power transferred to the load can be expressed as
P = IV (6)
We can estimate the diode quality factor as:

+
+
=
) / (
) ln( ) ln(
so oc sc
mpp
o
oc
sc mpp
sho
mpp
sc T
oc so mpp mpp
R V I
I
R
V
I I
R
V
I V
V R I V
A
(7)
And
R
p
= R
sho
(8)
) exp( ). (
T
oc
p
oc
sc o
AV
V
R
V
I I =

(9)
) exp( .
T
oc
o
T
so s
AV
V
I
AV
R R =
(10)

) 1 (exp ) 1 ( + + =
T
s sc
o
p
s
sc ph
AV
R I
I
R
R
I I

(11)
As a very good approximation, the photon generated current, which is equal to I
sc
, is
directly proportional to the irradiance, the intensity of illumination, to PV cell [14]. Thus, if
the value, I
sc
, is known from the datasheet, under the standard test condition,
G
o
=1000W/m
2
at the air mass (AM) = 1.5, then the photon generated current at any other
irradiance, G (W/m2), is given by:
0
0
) (
G sc G SC
I
G
G
I =
(12)
It should be notified that, in a practical PV cell, there is a series of resistance in a current
path through the semiconductor material, the metal grid, contacts, and current collecting
bus [15]. These resistive losses are lumped together as a series resister (R
s
). Its effect
becomes very conspicuous in a PV module that consists of many series-connected cells,
and the value of resistance is multiplied by the number of cells. Shunt resistance is a loss
associated with a small leakage of current through a resistive path in parallel with the
intrinsic device [15]. This can be represented by a parallel resister (R
p
). Its effect is much
less conspicuous in a PV module compared to the series resistance so it may be ignored
[15], [16]. The ideality factor denoted as A and takes the value between one and two (as to
reach the nominated characteristics) [16].
3. PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE MODELING
A single PV cell produces an output voltage less than 1V, thus a number of PV cells are
connected in series to achieve a desired output voltage. When series-connected cells are
placed in a frame, it is called as a module. When the PV cells are wired together in series,
the current output is the same as the single cell, but the voltage output is the sum of each
cell voltage. Also, multiple modules can be wired together in series or parallel to deliver the
voltage and current level needed. The group of modules is called an array. The panel
construction provides protection for individual cells from water, dust etc, as the solar cells
A. El Shahat: Stand-alone PV System Simulation for DG Applications, Part I

40
are placed into an encapsulation of flat glass. Our case here depicts a typical connection of
216 cells that are connected in series [11]. The strategy of modelling a PV module is no
different from modelling a PV cell. It uses the same PV cell model. The parameters are the
all same, but only a voltage parameter (such as the open-circuit voltage) is different and
must be divided by the number of cells. An electric model with moderate complexity [17] is
shown in figure 3, and provides fairly accurate results. The model consists of a current
source (I
sc
), a diode (D), and a series resistance (R
s
). The effect of parallel resistance (R
p
) is
very small in a single module, thus the model does not include it. To make a better model,
it also includes temperature effects on the short-circuit current (I
sc
) and the reverse
saturation current of diode (I
o
). It uses a single diode with the diode ideality factor set to
achieve the best I-V curve match.

Figure 4 Equivalent circuit used in the simulations

The equation (13) describes the current-voltage relationship of the PV cell.
) 1 )) ( (exp(
+
=
AkT
IR V
q I I I
s
o sc
(13)
Where: I is the cell current (the same as the module current); V is the cell voltage =
{module voltage} {No. of cells in series}; T is the cell temperature in Kelvin (K).
First, calculate the short-circuit current (I
sc
) at a given cell temperature (T):
)] ( 1 [
ref T sc T sc
T T a I I
ref
+ =
(14)

Where: I
sc
at T
ref
is given in the datasheet (measured under irradiance of 1000W/m
2
), T
ref
is
the reference temperature of PV cell in Kelvin (K), usually 298K (25
o
C), a is the
temperature coefficient of I
sc
in percent change per degree temperature also given in the
datasheet.
The short-circuit current (I
sc
) is proportional to the intensity of irradiance, thus I
sc
at a
given irradiance (G) is introduced by Eq. 12.
The reverse saturation current of diode (I
o
) at the reference temperature (T
ref
) is given by the
equation (15) with the diode ideality factor added:
) 1 ) (exp(
0

=
AkT
qV
I
I
oc
sc
(15)

The reverse saturation current (I
o
) is temperature dependant and the I
o
at a given
temperature (T) is calculated by the following equation [17].
))
1 1
( exp( ) (
3
0 0
ref ref
g
A
ref
T T
T T Ak
qE
T
T
I I
ref

=
(16)

J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-45


41
The diode ideality factor (A) is unknown and must be estimated. It takes a value between
one and two; however, the more accurate value is estimated by curve fitting [17] also, it can
be estimated by try and error until accurate value achieved. E
g
is the Band gap energy (1.12
V (Si); 1.42 (GaAs); 1.5 (CdTe); 1.75 (amorphous Si)).
The series resistance (R
s
) of the PV module has a large impact on the slope of the I-V curve
near the open-circuit voltage (V
oc
), hence the value of R
s
is calculated by evaluating the
slope dI/dV of the I-V curve at the V
oc
[17]. The equation for R
s
is derived by differentiating
the I-V equation and then rearranging it in terms of R
s
as introduced in equation (17).
) exp(
/
0
AkT
qV
I
q AkT
dI
dV
R
oc
Voc s
=
(17)
Where:
oc
V
dI
dV
is the slope of the I-V curve at the V
oc
(using the I-V curve in the datasheet
then divide it by the number of cells in series); V
oc
is the open-circuit voltage of cell
(Dividing V
oc
in the datasheet by the number of cells in series).
Finally, the equation of I-V characteristics is solved using the Newtons method for rapid
convergence of the answer, because the solution of current is recursive by inclusion of a
series resistance in the model [17]. The Newtons method is described as:
) ( '
) (
1
n
n
n n
x f
x f
x x =
+
(18)
Where: f(x) is the derivative of the function, f(x) = 0, x
n
is a present value, and x
n+1
is a
next value.
0 ) 1 )) ( (exp( ) ( =
+
=
AkT
IR V
q I I I I f
s
o sc
(19)

By using the above equations the following output current (I) is computed iteratively.
)) ( exp( ) ( 1
) 1 )) ( (exp(
1
AkT
R I V
q
AkT
qR
I
AkT
R I V
q I I I
I I
s n s
o
s n
o n sc
n n
+

+

=
+
(20)
The figures of I-V characteristics at various module temperatures are simulated with the
MATLAB model for our PV module are shown. Also, the P-V relations at various module
temperatures are presented. All of these are done at various irradiance values are
introduced.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ASE-300-DGF Photovoltaic Module I-V Curve
Module Voltage (V)
M
o
d
u
l
e

C
u
r
r
e
n
t

(
A
)


0 C
25 C
50 C
75 C

A. El Shahat: Stand-alone PV System Simulation for DG Applications, Part I

42
Figure 5 I-V curves at (1KW/m
2
; 0, 25, 50, 75
o
C)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ASE-300-DGF Photovoltaic Module I-V Curve
Module Voltage (V)
M
o
d
u
l
e

C
u
r
r
e
n
t

(
A
)


0 C
25 C
50 C
75 C

Figure 6 I-V curves (0.75 KW/m
2
; 0, 25, 50, 75
o
C)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ASE-300-DGF Photovoltaic Module I-V Curve
Module Voltage (V)
M
o
d
u
l
e

C
u
r
r
e
n
t

(
A
)


0 C
25 C
50 C
75 C

Figure 7 I-V curves (0.50 KW/m
2
; 0, 25, 50, 75
o
C)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ASE-300-DGF Photovoltaic Module I-V Curve
Module Voltage (V)
M
o
d
u
l
e

C
u
r
r
e
n
t

(
A
)


0 C
25 C
50 C
75 C


Figure 8 I-V curves (0.25 KW/m
2
; 0, 25, 50, 75
o
C)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
ASE-300-DGF Photovoltaic Module P-V Curve
Module Voltage (V)
M
o
d
u
l
e

O
u
t
p
u
t

P
o
w
e
r

(
W
)


0 C
25 C
50 C
75 C

J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-45


43
Figure 9 P-V curves at (1KW/m
2
; 0, 25, 50, 75
o
C)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
ASE-300-DGF Photovoltaic Module P-V Curve
Module Voltage (V)
M
o
d
u
l
e

O
u
t
p
u
t

P
o
w
e
r

(
W
)


0 C
25 C
50 C
75 C

Figure 10 P-V curves (0.75KW/m
2
; 0, 25, 50, 75
o
C)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
ASE-300-DGF Photovoltaic Module P-V Curve
Module Voltage (V)
M
o
d
u
l
e

O
u
t
p
u
t

P
o
w
e
r

(
W
)


0 C
25 C
50 C
75 C

Figure 11 P-V curves (0.50KW/m
2
; 0, 25, 50, 75
o
C)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
ASE-300-DGF Photovoltaic Module P-V Curve
Module Voltage (V)
M
o
d
u
l
e

O
u
t
p
u
t

P
o
w
e
r

(
W
)


0 C
25 C
50 C
75 C

Figure 12 P-V curves (0.25KW/m
2
; 0, 25, 50, 75
o
C)
4. DC / AC INVERTERS
For energy processing of PV and wind power, control DC / AC inverters are needed. We
are interested in micro grid distribution generation to process PV and wind power in order
of a few MW.
A three phase inverter has three legs, one for each phase, as shown in figure 13. Each
inverter leg operates as a single phase inverter. The output voltage of each leg V
an
, V
bn
,
V
cn
where n refer to negative dc bus voltage is computed from V
idc
and the switch position.
A. El Shahat: Stand-alone PV System Simulation for DG Applications, Part I

44
5. THREE PHASE INVERTERS

Figure 13 Operation of three phase Inverter

For each leg, one of the two switches are on while, the other switch is off. The function of
the pulse width modulation (PWM) is to determine the fundamental frequency of the
output voltage.
If the input dc voltage V
idc
is constant, then the magnitude of the fundamental frequency
output AC voltage will be also constant. However, by changing the switching time t
s
= 1/f
s
;
where f
s
is the frequency of PWM. The frequency at which two switches of each leg are
closed and opened, (On and Off), the fundamental frequency of the output voltage is
determined. Therefore, a three phase inverter has three terminals; that is, input terminal is
supplied from a dc source, the output terminal provides three phase AC voltage and the
third terminal is supplied with a control signal to the base of the power switch. The control
signal is computed based on the desired frequency and magnitude of AC output voltage.
The controller is a digital controller usually, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or u
controller (micro controller) [12].
6. BASIC OPERATION OF PWM INVERTER
As was pointed out, a three phase inverter has three legs, one for each phase. Let us
consider one leg and discuss PWM operation of a single phase inverter.

Figure 14 Operation of Single phase PWM Inverter

The output voltage, V
out
= V
an
is filtered out of the unwanted harmonics and V
an
is a
sinusoidal voltage. Let us assume the inverter supplies an inductive load. Therefore for an
inductive load, the current i
out
will lag the voltage V
out
.
J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-45


45

Figure 15 Four Modes of Inverter Operation

During mode 1 operation, both V
out
and i
out
are positive. Therefore, the converter operates
as an inverter and P
out
flows from DC side to AC side. During mode 2, i
out
is positive and is
negative. In this mode, the converter operates as a rectifier, since the P
out
flows from AC
side to DC side. During mode3, i
out
and V
out
are both negative. Again converter operates as
an inverter, since the P
out
flows from DC side to AC side.
During mode 4, V
out
is positive and i
out
is negative and this mode of operation can be
designated as rectifier operation. Since P
out
flows from the AC side to the DC side of the
converter. Therefore, the single phase converter of figure 12 can be operated as all four
quadrants [12].
The sequence of switching policy for SW
1
+
and SW
1
-
can be generated by comparing the
V
C
with a triangular wave form V
T
as shown below.

Figure 16 Single phase PWM Operation

The sampling period T
s
= 1 / f
s
where f
s
is the frequency of the triangular waveform V
T

determines the switching sequence of i
out
, V
out
plane during each cycle of the ac output.
Let us assume that we would like to transfer power from DC side to AC side at frequency
of
e
= 2f
e
and amplitude of V
max
. Therefore control signal will have V
C
= V
max
sin
e
t as
our reference control signal input. We need to sample our control signal, V
C
. We will
A. El Shahat: Stand-alone PV System Simulation for DG Applications, Part I

46
discuss the required sampling rate later. During the sampling time, we turn on and turn off
SW
1
+
and SW
1
-
such that our sampled V
idc
has an output ac voltage with a fundamental
frequency of f
e
of the control signal V
C
. Let us assume the control signal, V
C
, has
frequency of f
e
, and amplitude of V
max
.
v
C
= V
C(max)
sin
e
t ,
e
= 2f
e
(21)
Also, let us assume the triangular wave V
T
has a frequency of
s
f and sampling time of
s
s
f
T
1
= and amplitude of
2
idc
V
as shown before.
We will use the control signal to modulate the switch duty ratio to generate the PWM
modulated wave. .
The amplitude of modulation is defined as
(max)
(max)
T
C
a
V
V
M = (22)
The frequency of modulation M
f
is defined as
fe
f
M
s
f
= (23)
In the DC/AC converter, the power switches SW
1
+
and SW
1
-
are controlled by comparing
V
C
and V
T
using the following constraints.
V
c
V
T
SW
1
+
is On
V
a0
=
2 2
1
idc
V
(24)
V
c
V
T
SW
1
-
is On
V
a0
= -
2 2
1
idc
V

The output modulate voltage will be change between two values of
2
idc
V
and
2
idc
V
.
The output modulated voltage is a function of M
a
and M
f
. Depending on the value M
a
and
M
f
, the harmonic components of the modulated voltage will be different.
7. SQUARE WAVE OPERATION OF DC/AC INVERTER.
In the square wave switching policy of figure 16, each switch, that is, SW
1
+
and SW
1
-
is
On for one half cycle of the desired output frequency. This switching policy results in an
output voltage wave form depicted by figure 17.

Figure 17 DC/AC Inverter operation with 180 degree switching policy
J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-45


47
8. SINGLE PHASE AND FULL BRIDGE CONVERTERS
In previous section, we have presented the PWM concepts analysis, the operation of single
phase inverter. Here, we will present half bridge inverter and full bridge inverters. In
the following section, we will use the discussion here to present the operation of three
phase inverter.


Figure 18 Single phase half Bridge Converter

Figure 18 depicts the half bridge converter. To assure that the voltage at the midpoint of
the two capacitors designated by point O, remain constant with respect to the negative of
dc bus. We will need to use to large capacitors C
+
and C
-
. This configuration is the same as
one leg converter that was presented earlier, and its wave forms [12].
When SW
1
+
is On and D
1
+
is Off, the modulate output voltage appears across the load.
Similarly, when SW
1
-
is On and D
1
+
is Off, the modulated output voltage appears across the
load. In either case, the output current divides equally between two capacitors. In a half
bridge converter of figure 18, the peak voltage and current ratings of the switches will be:
V
peak
= V
idc

i
peak
= i
out peak

A single phase full bridge converter is shown in figure 19.


Figure 19 Single phase Full Bridge Converter.

This DC/AC converter has two legs. Each leg has two switches. The operation of each leg
is as described before for the half bridge single phase converters [12]. For the converter
of fig. 19, the SW
1
+
and SW
2
+
and SW
1
-
and SW
2
+
are switched as pairs. The switching
policy is shown in fig.20.
A. El Shahat: Stand-alone PV System Simulation for DG Applications, Part I

48
Figure 20 Single phase Full Bridge Converter Operation with two switches switched On as a pair.

V
out
= V
a out
(t) V
b out
(t) (25)
= 2 V
ao
(t) = V
idc
peak to peak
Where
V
C
= V
C (max)
sin
e
t ,
e
= 2 f
e

V
C
= 2 V
C (max)
(RMS)
And f
e
the fundamental frequency of the control signal, V
C
.


Figure 21 PWM bipolar voltage switching operation

The same as one leg converter, the peak of the fundamental frequency component of the
modulated voltage can be expressed as
V
out (Fundamental)
= M
a
V
idc
(26)
Where the amplitude of the modulation is defined as
) (
) (
Max T
Max C
a
V
V
M =
And M
a
is less than one, we will have
V
idc
V
out (peak)

4
V
idc
Where the frequency of modulation M
f
is defined as
J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-45


49
e
s
f
f
f
M = and
s
s
T
f
1
=
Where T
s
is the sampling time (the period of the triangular waveform).
9. THREE PHASE CONVERTERS
From our previous presentation, we can construct a three phase converter as depicted
below:



Figure 22 Operation of three phase Converter.

As shown in figure 22, we have three single phase converters that are connected to a
common dc bus to make a three phase converter. The modulated output voltage of each
leg has the same waveform of a single phase converter [12].


Figure 23 PWM Operation of a Three phase Converter.

As it was discussed in the operation of a single phase converter, one switch is On in each
leg of the three phase converter. Therefore, in each phase, for example in phase a, V
an

with respect to the negative dc bus depends on V
idc
and the switch status SW
1
+
and SW
1
-
.
This can be seen from figure 23.

A. El Shahat: Stand-alone PV System Simulation for DG Applications, Part I

50


Figure 24 Operation of a three phase Converter when SW
1
+
, SW
2
+
and SW
3
+
are On.

If we closely study the modulated output voltage of each phase (phase a and phase b are
shown in figure 22), we will conclude that the output voltage is independent of the output
load current since one of the switches of each leg is always on. (See figure 24)
The control objective is the same as discussed for a single phase converter, that is the
pulse width modulation seeks to control the modulated output voltage of each phase such
that the magnitude and frequency of the fundamental output voltage is the same as the
control voltage as the power switches samples the dc bus voltage.
To obtain a balanced three phase modulated output voltage, the same triangular voltage
waveform is compared with the three phase balanced control voltage as shown. The shape
of the modulated voltage is function of both the amplitude and frequency modulation [12].
Recall, that
e
s
f
f
f
M = and
s
s
T
f
1
= (27)
Where T
s
is the sampling time, that is, the period of the triangular waveform, and f
e
the
frequency of the control voltage.
(max)
(max)
T
C
a
V
V
M = (28)
The peak fundamental frequency component of the modulated voltage, when M
a
is less
than one, is given
V
an(peak)
=
2
idc
a
V
M (29)
We can calculate the line to line voltage as
V
line line
= V
LL
= 3 V
an
(RMS) (30)
Therefore, when M
a
1.
V
LL
= 3
2
peak
V
=
2 2
3
M
a
V
idc
(31)
When M
a
is less than one, the output voltage is directly proportional to the M
a
. Therefore,
this is referred to as linear region of the converter operation.
When M
a
is greater than one, the converter is operating in over modulation region. For this
mode operation, the peak value of the V
C
, control voltage is allowed to exceed the peak
value of V
T
, the triangular waveform. In this region, the fundamental frequency of the
modulated voltage does not increase linearly with M
a
. When M
a
is very high, the converter
operates as a square wave converter.
J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-45


51
10. MATLAB INVERTERS RESULTS

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
-1
-0.8
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Half wave rectifier input
N
o
r
m
a
l
i
z
e
d

i
n
p
u
t

v
o
l
t
a
g
e
.4
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
-1
-0.8
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Half wave rectifier output
N
o
r
m
a
l
i
z
e
d

o
u
t
p
u
t

v
o
l
t
a
g
e
.4

Figure 25 Half Wave uncontrolled rectifier plots

0 5 10 15 20 25
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
Half wave rectifier input
N
o
r
m
a
l
i
z
e
d

i
n
p
u
t

v
o
l
t
a
g
e
.4
0 5 10 15 20 25
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
Half wave rectifier output
N
o
r
m
a
l
i
z
e
d

o
u
t
p
u
t

v
o
l
t
a
g
e
.4

Figure 26 Half Wave controlled rectifier plots

Time
V
o
l
t
a
g
e

Figure 27 Single phase PWM Operation

A. El Shahat: Stand-alone PV System Simulation for DG Applications, Part I

52
0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.01 0.012 0.014 0.016 0.018 0.02
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
Va and carrier at 180 Hz
0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.01 0.012 0.014 0.016 0.018 0.02
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5

S
q
u
a
r
e

W
a
v
e

Figure 28 DC/AC Inverter operation with 180 degree switching policy
V4)C_]
V
C
Vp
V
]
V
Cp

Figure 29 PWM Operation of a Three phase Converter.
11. CONCLUSIONS
Due to the importance of PV systems especially in Distributed generation (DG), this paper
introduces stand-alone Photovoltaic (PV) power system simulation to be used locally on
site for distributed generation applications. Because, Distributed generation (DG) offers
great potential in meeting future global energy needs. PV modeling and inverter technique
reviews are presented in a simple method but efficient. PV module model models each
component and simulates them using MATLAB. The result shows that the PV model using
the equivalent circuit in moderate complexity provides good matching with the real PV
module. Simulations are based on Schott ASE-300-DGF PV panel as a practical one.
Simple inverter apparatuses review are discussed with MATLAB results like: DC / AC
Inverter, Three phase Inverters, Basic Operation of PWM Inverter, Square wave
J. Automation & Systems Engineering 6-1 (2012): 36-45


53
operation of DC/AC inverter, Single phase and Full Bridge Converters, also Three
phase Converters to be used in distributed generation systems.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author would like to thank Ms. Shaza Mohamed Abd Al Menem for her effort in this
research editing.

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