A new method of on-line grid impedance estimation for PV inverter

Abstract

The recent increase in photovoltaic (PV) installations calls for new and better power quality requirements with respect to connection to the grid supply. Therefore, different methods are typically used for continuous grid monitoring, usually by using external devices. In this paper a new method for on-line measuring the grid impedance is presented. The presented method requires no extra hardware being accommodated by typical PV inverters, sensors and CPU, to provide a fast and low cost approach of on-line impedance measurement. By injecting a noncharacteristic harmonic current and measuring the voltage grid response it is possible to evaluate the grid impedance. Practical test on an existing PV inverter validate the new method.