Field Programmable Gate Array-Based Smart Switch to Avoid Inrush Current in PV Installations.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Power Systems
• Renewable Energy Integration

Background:

• Inrush currents in single-phase transformers pose challenges for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• Transformer energization is significantly influenced by residual core flux and switching timing.
• Existing methods for inrush current mitigation often require complex residual flux estimation techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an FPGA-based smart switch for mitigating inrush currents in grid-connected PV systems.
• To develop a cost-effective solution that bypasses the need for intricate residual flux estimation.
• To enhance the reliability and efficiency of PV system integration with the grid.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a smart switch using Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA).
• Development of an innovative control system to manage transformer energization.
• Leveraging network-acquired information for adaptive learning and control.

Main Results:

• Successfully avoided inrush currents during transformer connection in PV systems.
• Demonstrated effectiveness of the smart control system despite sensor limitations.
• Provided a cost-effective alternative to traditional inrush current mitigation methods.

Conclusions:

• The proposed FPGA-based smart switch offers an effective and economical solution for managing inrush currents in grid-connected PV systems.
• The adaptive control system's resilience to sensor challenges enhances its practical applicability.
• This technology contributes to improved stability and performance of renewable energy integration.