Single-phase inverter for grid-connected and intentional islanding operations in electric utility systems

Small distributed generation units are usually connected to the main electric grid through single-phase voltage source inverters. Grid operating conditions such as voltage and frequency are not constant and can fluctuate within the range values established by international standards. Furthermore, the requirements in terms of power factor correction, total harmonic distortion, and reliability are getting tighter day by day. As a result, the implementation of reliable and efficient control algorithms, which are able to adjust their control parameters in response to changeable grid operating conditions, is essential. This paper investigates the configuration topology and control algorithm of a single-phase inverter with the purpose of achieving high performance in terms of efficiency as well as total harmonic distortion of the output current. Accordingly, a Second Order Generalized Integrator with a suitable Phase Locked Loop (SOGI-PLL) is the basis of the proposed current and voltage regulation. Some practical issues related to the control algorithm are addressed, and a solution for the control architecture is proposed, based on resonant controllers that are continuously tuned on the basis of the actual grid frequency. Further, intentional islanding operation is investigated and a possible procedure for switching from grid-tied to islanding operation and vice-versa is proposed.