Power Quality Alleviation of a Grid-Integrated Photovoltaic System Based on Novel Meta-Heuristic Optimization Technique Using OPAL-RT Real-Time Platform

The minimization of switching losses and the harmonic distortion of the output current are major challenges in high-power applications. This article validates the application of real-time simulation using Opal Real Time Simulation (OPAL-RT) to investigate the power quality of grid-connected photo voltaic (PV) system. The revamped hysteresis current controller (RHCC) for grid-tied inverter system is used for achieving nearly constant switching frequency, faster current tracking, and proper filtration of current in grid-connected PV systems. A hybrid method, combining arithmetic optimization algorithm and particle swarm optimization, is proposed for the first time in this article. Furthermore, it extracts global optima with less controlling parameters as it balances the exploitation and exploration stages. To improve the inverter’s efficiency, the selection of an optimal switching frequency of RHCC plays a crucial role. The selection of switching frequency is considered as a trade-off between minimization of switching losses and reduction of harmonics. The duty cycle and inverter hysteresis bands are considered to be the design variables, whereas the current error and the switching frequency are assumed to be the objective functions to be minimized. The improved arithmetic optimization algorithm technique along with advanced controllers is compared with other algorithms by using Simulink/MATLAB environment and experimental setup.

Cite this article as: B. Mohapatra, B. K. Sahu and S. Pati, "Power quality alleviation of a grid-integrated photovoltaic system based on novel meta-heuristic optimization technique using OPAL-RT real-time platform," Electrica, 23(3), 492-504, 2023.