Step-by-Step Implementation of a 3 MW Grid-Connected Solar PV System using MATLAB
- lms editor
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
🔹 Introduction
The growing global demand for renewable energy has made solar photovoltaic (PV) systems a cornerstone of sustainable power generation. Among them, grid-connected PV plants play a crucial role in supplying clean electricity while reducing dependency on fossil fuels 🌍.
This blog presents the design and simulation of a 3 MW grid-connected PV system in MATLAB/Simulink, featuring:
✅ A boost converter with Perturb & Observe (P&O) MPPT for maximum power extraction.
✅ A three-phase inverter with PI-based control synchronized to the utility grid.
✅ Performance evaluation under different irradiance conditions.
🏗️ System Architecture
The system is built in three main stages:
☀️ PV Array Configuration
Each module: 213.15 W, 29 V.
11 modules in series → ~319 V at MPP.
1300 parallel strings → ~9500 A.
Total power output ≈ 3.04 MW.
🌡️ Inputs: Irradiance = 1000 W/m², Temperature = 25 °C.
🔋 Boost Converter with MPPT
Components: Inductor (L), IGBT + diode, Capacitor (C), passive RLC filter.
Controlled via P&O MPPT algorithm implemented in MATLAB.
PWM switching frequency: 10 kHz.
Ensures stable DC output at MPP.
🔄 Inverter & Grid Synchronization
DC-link voltage regulated at 600 V.
Three-phase inverter with IGBT-based universal bridge.
PLL (Phase Locked Loop) for grid synchronization ⚡.
dq0 PI controllers manage active & reactive power.
Output connected to a 400 V, 50 Hz grid with inductive filter.
📊 System Specifications
Component | Value | Notes |
PV Array Power | 3.04 MW | 11 × 1300 modules |
Converter Freq | 10 kHz | PWM switching |
DC-Link Voltage | 600 V | Regulated by PI |
Inverter Rating | 3 MW | Grid-connected |
Grid Voltage | 400 V, 50 Hz | 3-phase system |
🖥️ Simulation Setup
The system was modeled in Simscape Power Systems. Key features:
MPPT control with P&O algorithm.
PI controllers for voltage/current regulation.
Measurement blocks for PV, converter, and grid parameters.
Simulation duration: 10 seconds.
🧪 Case Studies
🌞 Case 1: Nominal Irradiance (1000 W/m²)
PV power ≈ 3 MW.
DC-link voltage stable at 600 V.
Grid receives rated active power.
🌥️ Case 2: Reduced Irradiance (500 W/m²)
PV power ≈ 1.5 MW.
Grid power reduces proportionally.
MPPT ensures maximum extraction even at low sunlight.
⚙️ Methodology
📐 P&O MPPT Algorithm
1️⃣ Measure PV voltage & current.2️⃣ Compute power (P = V × I).3️⃣ Compare with previous power.4️⃣ Adjust duty cycle accordingly.5️⃣ If power increases → continue, else reverse direction.
🔄 Inverter dq Control
Id (active power) & Iq (reactive power) regulated by PI controllers.
PLL synchronization ensures proper grid integration.
Control voltages → back to abc frame → PWM signals.
📈 Results & Analysis
At 1000 W/m²:
✅ PV & grid power ~3 MW.
✅ DC-link regulated at 600 V.
✅ Grid current sinusoidal with low THD.
At 500 W/m²:
✅ PV & grid power ~1.5 MW.
✅ Stable performance confirmed.
📊 Performance Table:
Condition | PV Power | Grid Power | DC-Link Voltage | Remarks |
1000 W/m² | ~3 MW | ~3 MW | 600 V | Rated operation |
500 W/m² | ~1.5 MW | ~1.5 MW | 600 V | Reduced generation |
💡 Discussion
✅ Strengths:
Large-scale PV array with realistic configuration.
Effective MPPT with stable DC-link.
Smooth inverter-grid synchronization.
⚠️ Limitations:
P&O MPPT may oscillate under fast irradiance changes.
PI controllers require retuning for varying conditions.
Harmonic & loss analysis not included.
🏁 Conclusion & Future Scope
This work successfully simulated a 3 MW grid-connected solar PV system in MATLAB/Simulink.
✨ Key outcomes:
Stable 600 V DC-link maintained.
3 MW output achieved at nominal irradiance.
Effective P&O MPPT under variable sunlight.
🚀 Future enhancements:
Use Fuzzy, ANN, or optimization-based MPPT.
Include power quality analysis (THD, harmonics).
Hardware validation with scaled prototypes.
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