Single phase NPC inverter controller with Integrated MPPT for PV grid connection

Abstract

This paper presents a single-stage three-level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) inverter for connection to the electrical power grid, with integrated Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm to extract the maximum power available from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. This single-stage topology is more compact than the traditional topology, it was chosen because with the proper control strategy. It is suitable to connect the PV panels to the power grid. The paper describes the design of a 5 kW NPC inverter for the interface of PV panels with the power grid, presenting the circuit parameters and the description of the control algorithms. A phase locked loop control is used to connect the inverter into the grid. Then, a proposed DC Link voltage control to regulate the input voltage of the inverter. Although an MPPT algorithm was used to optimize the energy extraction and the system efficiency. Inverter Output Current control to produce an output current (current injected in the power grid) with low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) implemented in a DSP. Simulation and experimental results verify the correct operation of the proposed system, even with fluctuations in the solar radiation.