Simulation tools for photovoltaic system grid integration studies

Photovoltaic power generation is growing at a rapid rate. Most new PV installations are grid-connected small-scale system. The impact of these installations on the grid operation need to be carefully studied to investigated. This paper presents the development of simulation tools required for such interconnection studies. The simulation tools were developed in the popular electromagnetic transient simulation program PSCAD/EMTDC and include a PV array model, maximum power point tracking controller model, and a grid connected inverter. An example of an interconnection study using the developed simulation tools is presented.