Reduced Power Model-Based Tracker for Photovoltaic Panels

The shift towards renewable energy has led to an ever-increasing integration of photovoltaic (PV) plants in the grid. Especially during peak production times of these plants, this leads to a reduction of rotational inertia in the power system limiting, primary frequency control capabilities. To truly participate in primary frequency regulation, PV systems must operate outside the maximum power point (MPPT) and retain an active power reserve. This paper presents the implementation and performance evaluation of an innovative model-based (MB) algorithm dedicated to PV grid frequency regulation. Simulation results demonstrate the algorithm's ability to set, with proper precision, an operation point between 80% and 100% of maximum available power. The control strategy is tested under various irradiation and temperature conditions, providing, in all cases, accurate and rapid power curtailment according to grid request.