Lecturer: Giuseppe Venchi  

Course name: Gestione dei sistemi fotovoltaici
Course code: 504271
Degree course: Ingegneria Elettrica
Disciplinary field of science: ING-INF/01
The course relates to:
University credits: ECTS 3
Course website: n.d.

Specific course objectives

This course is about some aspects of the static energy conversion that takes place in photovoltaic plants. In particular, the energy flows between the solar generator, the converter which implements the Maximum Power Point Tracking, the inverter and the grid will be studied. The problem of controlling and regulating the active and reactive power injected in the grid will be addressed in detail.

Course programme

1. Introduction to the interfacing problems of the inverter to the grid and to the photovoltaic generator

2. Advanced PWM techniques: unipolar and hybrid modulation. Leakage currents caused by common mode voltages at the output of the inverter. Neutral Point Clamped Inverter.

3. Power balance between the photovoltaic generator and the grid; dimensioning of the dc-link capacitor.

4. The boost converter as the interface element between the photovoltaic generator and the DC side of the inverter; multiple input schematics for independent MPPTs; Ripple Correlation Control algorithm.

5. Energy balance on the AC side of the inverter; power injected into the grid; PI control implemented in a synchronous rotating reference system; proportional + resonant controller; deadbeat controller.

6. Analysis of Simulink models of the complete inverter plus controller; dynamic behaviour of the system.

Course entry requirements

Basic knowledge about photovoltaic plants a control theory. Principle of operation of the inverter.

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 23
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0

Suggested reading materials

Notes taken during classes.

Testing and exams

The exam consists in the presentation and discussion of one scientific paper among those proposed by the teacher at the end of the course. Alternatively, an in depth study starting from the proposed Simulink models can be done.