DESIGN OF A SINGLE PHASE GRID CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM USING MATLAB/ SIMULINK

ABSTRACT 

There is much concern about the fossil fuel exhaustion and the environmental problems associated with conventional power generation. PV systems are the most direct way to convert solar radiation into electricity and are based on the PV effect, which was first observed by Henri Becquerel in 1839.  It is quite generally defined as the emergence of an electric voltage between two electrodes attached to a solid or liquid system upon shining light onto this system. Practically, all PV devices incorporate a PN junction in a semiconductor across which the photo voltage is developed. These devices are also known as solar cells. Light absorption occurs in a semiconductor material. The semiconductor material has to be able to absorb a large part of the solar spectrum. This thesis is primarily focused on grid connected photovoltaic systems with the functionality of harmonic compensation is introduced in this thesis. Increasing interest and investment in renewable energy gave rise to rapid development of high penetration solar energy.. PV systems have the advantage of requiring little or no maintenance as well as being pollution-free but their installation cost is high and, in most applications; they require a power conditioner (DC/DC or DC/AC converter) for load interface.  The simulation developed in this thesis provides a better understanding and significance of PV systems.  Solar cells have a complex relationship between solar irradiation, temperature and total resistance that produces a non-linear output efficiency which can be analysed based on the I-V curve. As a result, maximum power point techniques have been employed to get the maximum power possible out of the solar cells.