Double Stage SPV System Interfaced to Utility Grid for Regions Facing Prolonged Grid Outages

This study presents a three-phase double-stage solar photovoltaic (SPV) system interfaced with the utility grid to meet energy demands of the region facing prolonged grid outages. The concept of leasing the rooftop area to a solarbased company is demonstrated. The SPV system facilitates local loads' uninterrupted power supply (UPS). This system performs seamless mode change operation, power quality enhancements, energy surety, and renewable energy source (RES) integration. A distributed static compensator (DSTATCOM) is used with an efficient and novel current control technique in the on-grid mode and a voltage-control technique in the off-grid mode of operation to achieve seamless and reliable operation in different modes. In on-grid mode, the company sells the surplus energy to the utility grid/nearby private customers to make a profit. However, in the off-grid mode, the local loads of the rooftop lender are given in priority. The seamless mode-change operations of the SPV system are carried out using a synchronization control and a solid transfer switch (STS). The results from MATLAB simulations and developed hardware prototype validate the system performance according to the IEEE-519 and the IEEE-1547 standards.