Smart inverters based technological advancements in future smart grids for improved flexible renewable energy penetration

Abstract The set-up for a new electrical system for variable renewable energy resources (RERs) will bring additional capital costs and therefore upgradation of the existing systems is by far the best option to ensure little to no greenhouse gases (GHGs) or harmful pollutants. This paper reports advanced power electronic converter-based devices (PECs) which play a crucial role in conversion and control activities in connecting RERs to power grids they cannot only bypass the associated challenges but can also be an efficient and potential equipment in power and energy sector. The interfacing of PECs with RERs is explored in this work is powered by an advanced framework in which smart inverters (SIs) are also utilized to maintain the regulated output voltage in line with the grid requirement and the effectiveness of the developed system is verified on MATLAB environment. The capabilities of SIs are emphasized which ranges from enhanced coordination between the devices, better efficiency and seamless integration of renewables with the utility grid to ensure holistic operation. A detailed analysis is performed and the outcomes reveal the suitability and applicability of the proposed work and in particular, interfacing PECs with the utility grid not only improves the performance of the system but also increases efficiency and limits the challenges associated with the integration of renewables in the mainstream grid to a considerable extent. The peak voltage of 300 V is produced by employing SIs from solar PV system which corresponds to an RMS voltage of 212.13 V within the permissible frequency range.