Optimal Operation of Certain Power Loads Fed From a Photovoltaic Generator (PVG)

In this paper, optimal operation of some power loads fed from PVG source is investigated. The optimal operation consists of fulfilling two objectives simultaneously. The first objective consists of matching the maximum power that can be generated by the PVG with the power absorbed by the load. The second objective consists of conditioning the current supplying the load when the latter is of AC nature. The first objective is performed by installing a maximum power point tracker between the PVG source and the power load. The tracker is a step-up converter controlled by Schmitt trigger controller. The second objective is done via the connection of an active power filter in parallel with the AC power load. The active power filter target is to take care of all unwanted current harmonics that may penetrate to the AC load circuitry. A second Schmitt trigger controller is also used to control the operation of the active power filter. The power loads considered in this study are of two types: (1) DC loads: pure resistive and DC motor; (2) AC load: capacitor run single-phase induction motor. The performance evaluation of all proposed configurations are tabulated via the use of EMTP computer program. The results obtained prove the satisfaction of both objectives of the investigation.