Solar PV inverter characterization in indoor laboratory

Abstract

A commercial 3ph 25 kW inverter is characterised at the Smart Grid Laboratory, CEA-INES in accordance with IEC/EN 61727 and EN50530. The minimum, nominal and maximum power point tracking power conversion efficiency for normalized power levels measured an average 96%, 97% and 97% respectively. The response time of tested inverter during over / under voltage and frequency conditions set with IEC/EN 61727 grid code parameters measured as expected. The ride through functionality test for Y and X1 type of voltage dips complied to the IEC/EN 61727 requirements. The total harmonic distortions for simulated clear and cloudy sky irradiance profiles measured distortions above the stipulated 5% in accordance with IEC/EN 61727 during early morning and late afternoon periods i.e., when inverter tends to turn ON and OFF. The cloudy sky irradiance profile measured higher distortions compared to clear sky. The exposure to real time inverter characterization at CEAINES laboratory has enhanced the knowledge on inverter characterization process and increased the confidence in the inverter performance operating in low voltage network.