Harmonic Impedance Model of Multiple Utility-Interactive Multilevel Photovoltaic Inverters

An important requirement of the power grid with high penetration of renewable energy
sources is the mitigation of potential harmonic interactions between different distributed large
grid-tie inverters and the mains. This work presents the harmonic interaction between multiple multilevel photovoltaic (PV) inverters based on the well-known T-type neutral-point-clamped inverter
(3L-TNPC). The multiple 3L-TNPC is connected in parallel to a common ac bus by using distribution
voltage feeders. The analysis is performed by using the Norton equivalence model of each power
circuit, its admittance matrix modeling, and the potential overall impedance resonances with the ac
grid. The main contribution of this work is the development of a current harmonic injection model
of the system operating under a polluted voltage grid for harmonic analysis, while overall filtering
design restrictions due to impedance limits based on current and voltage standards are considered.
The proposed impedance Norton model is compared with the electromagnetic transient model (EMT
model) by using comprehensive simulations, showing good match between both models.