Volume 10 Issue 4 (2022) 11-15 ISSN 2347 - 3258

International Journal of Advance Research and Innovation

Performance and Harmonic Evaluation of a Modified Sinewave 1kVA Solar
Powered Inverter
OS Adeoye, AJ Ojo, M Ogunlowo
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Abstract: An inverter is a device that takes a direct current input and produces a sinusoidal
Article Info
alternating current output. It maintains a continuous supply of electric power to connected
Article history:
equipment or load by supplying power from a separate source, like battery, when utility power is not
Received 29 June 2022
available. It is inserted between the source of power and the load is protecting. This paper evaluates
Received in revised form
and analyses the harmonic characteristics of a 1kVA solar powered inverter under different load
28 November 2022
conditions. The performance of inverter is affected by the presence of harmonics which is generated
Accepted 5 December 2022
from non-linear loads as used in PV systems (i.e inverter) which in turn consequently affects the
Available online 15 December 2022
inverter output voltage and waveform. The methods used comprises of 12V, 250W solar panel
Keywords Inverter, performance, connected to a 30A pulse width modulation (PWM) charge controller and a 12V, 100Ah deep cycle
analysis, testing, harmonics emission, battery was connected to the controller to enable charging of the battery while a 1kVA, 220V
injection. inverter was connected to the battery to produce the AC output needed. The performance of the
inverter was evaluated and analyzed from the load test results and harmonic characteristics
occurring in the inverter output voltages and waveforms were obtained using DENT Power meter.
The parameters were taken at an interval of minutes and it was observed that the nonlinear loads
have more harmonics injection effects on the output waveforms of the inverter. The paper
recommends on best practices and further research to identify harmonic constraints in PV inverters,
and on the application of mitigation techniques that lead to more PV penetration without sacrificing
the safety and reliability of the distribution networks.

1. Introduction electronic inverters, harmonics may arise at the output of the

Solar is a proven and significant renewable energy source, offering inverter and travel through the impedance of the distribution
a more economical way to generate electricity and curb carbon system, resulting in distortion of the sinusoidal voltage waveform
emissions to meet energy and climate goals. If energy companies of the utility grid. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT), anti-
replaced their most expensive coal plants with new solar power islanding, grid fault conditions, and energy measurement are
projects or on shore wind farms, totaling 500 GW globally, they important characteristics of PV inverter [5]. Usually, residential PV
could save billions of naira every year and reduce total global systems have small to medium sizes (1 to 15 kWp) compared to the
carbon emissions by 5%, according to the International Renewable high short-circuit levels of the distribution grid. Therefore,
Energy Agency [1]. However, as solar power becomes more distortion in system voltage is almost negligible when a single PV
prominent, it is important to remember that it is a dynamic system system is connected to the grid. However, when multiple
and not immune to challenges. When a photovoltaic (PV) system is connections are made at the same feeder or distribution grid, it may
connected to the grid, new power quality issues can occur due to affect the system voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC).
the intermittency and instability of solar energy [2]. In an electric For sustainable operation of the power system, harmonic analysis
power system, a harmonic of a voltage or current waveform is a facilitates the integration of grid-connected solar PV into the
sinusoidal wave whose frequency is an integer multiple of the system. To gauge the harmonic impacts triggered by grid-connected
fundamental frequency, which needs consideration when using solar PV systems, several studies have been performed over the
solar energy. The ideal power source for all power systems is past few years [6].
smooth sinusoidal waves. However, when waveforms deviate from Harmonics are also introduced by the presence of non-linear loads
a sine wave shape, they become harmonics. Inverters that convert and switching devices connected to the grid. Residential non-linear
the DC current to AC current can also create harmonics [3]. loads generally comprise devices such as transformers, compact
Photovoltaic (PV) systems that is connected to the grid have fluorescent lamps (CFL), light-emitting diodes (LED), fluorescent
become a viable option in low-voltage (LV) networks due to the tubes, air conditioners, inverters, mobile chargers, switch-mode
introduction of lucrative policy frameworks such as metering and power supplies (SMPS), television, computers, and laptop chargers.
significant cost reduction in PV system installation [4]–[6]. SMPS are commonly present in laptops, computers, and battery
Consequently, a large amount of solar PV is expected to be chargers for mobile phones. Globally, non-linear loads in
connected to utility grids in coming years. A considerable amount residential settings make up 38–42% of the utility loads, while
of solar PV is already connected to weak grids; this large lighting loads vary from 40 to 70%. Non-linear loads, when
penetration of solar PV at the LV distribution grid has a significant supplied with sinusoidal voltage sources, produce harmonics in the
effect on harmonic pollution levels in the network. Power quality supply waveform and consequently affect the operation of other
issues related to the low power factor of nonlinear loads and high linear devices connected to the distribution grid [7].
harmonic current emissions from solar PV inverters at the LV 2. Literature Review
network greatly affect the network performance. The power This literature review addresses two main categories, which are the
electronic inverters that do not produce pure sine waves introduce photovoltaic (PV) system (specifically in providing an insight to
harmonics into the system when connected to the low-voltage grid. available inverter designs), related power quality issues and
From the perspective of power quality, it is desirable that a pure harmonics.
sinusoidal waveform of current is obtained at the output of the grid- 2.1. Harmonic Sources
connected PV inverter. However, due to the presence of power Harmonics of a waveform are components whose frequencies are
Corresponding Author, multiple integers of a 60 Hz or 50 Hz fundamental wave. For
E-mail address: [email protected], example, 100 Hz, 150 Hz, 200 Hz, and 250 Hz are the 2nd, 3rd, 4th
[email protected] and [email protected] and 5th harmonic components of a 50 Hz fundamental waveform
All rights reserved: http://www.ijari.org [8]. Harmonic distortion is usually caused by non- linear devices in
electric power systems. Harmonics pose a risk to power systems in

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 Volume 10 Issue 4 (2022) 11-15 ISSN 2347 - 3258
International Journal of Advance Research and Innovation
terms of overheating of transformers, motors, lines, and cables Generally harmonics are group under voltage and current
which can lead to shortened life, interference with communication harmonics. Current harmonics are usually generated by harmonics
systems (generally for services on the same electric pole such as contained in voltage supply and depend on the type of load such as
cable TV and phone) and with the operation of sensitive loads, and resistive load, capacitive load and inductive load. The harmonics
outages associated with blown fuses and failed equipment [9]. can be generated either from the source or load side [14].
Power electronic converters, which are widely used in modern 3.Methodology
power systems, are some of the major sources of harmonics. Solar Figures 1-3 show respectively the block diagram, schematic and
photovoltaic generation depend extensively upon power electronic pictorial representation of the experimental set up for the test and
converters to produce alternating current output for interconnection measurements which was carried in the Machines laboratory of the
purposes. Therefore, the harmonic issue is one the most important EEE department of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
aspects affecting the integration of renewable energies [10]. A PV using DENT Power meter. The current, voltage, harmonics
unit is comprised of the PV panels that generate DC, and the spectrums were taken at 5mins interval. Figure 1 Shows the Solar
inverter, which converts DC to AC. Inverters are power electronic Panel Inverter Block Diagram. Figure 2 shows the schematic
devices that are major sources of harmonics. The harmonic current diagram of equipment used and the approach of the test.
is injected from the inverters to the distribution circuit potentially
affecting customers connected to the same circuit [8].
2.2 Inverter
Inverters are crucial energy conversion components in any
renewable energy scheme which converts DC power to AC energy
required by most electrical loads. The ideal inverter has hundred
percent of efficiency and produces a perfectly sinusoidal output
waveform. Production of a perfect sinusoidal output waveform will
require the inverter to operate as a linear amplifier which reduces
the efficiency figure. To achieve reasonably high efficiency,
inverters replace the temporal variations of a sine wave with
waveforms that have square edges. Examples of such waveforms
include square waves, modified square wave; sinusoidal pulse
width modulation (SPWM) synthesized sine wave, and multilevel
waveforms [11]. The inverter is one of the most important systems
that require attention in harmonic analysis. Due to its switching
mechanism causing harmonics in line current, inverters are Fig. 1: Solar Panel Inverter Block Diagram
considered as a contributor to network harmonic voltage distortion
[12]. The most common type of inverters used to be the line-
commuted inverters, due to the advance in the technology of
semiconductor devices self-commutated inverters are blending into
PVIs. The basic principle of the inverter is to switch the DC to a
required AC voltage. There are a few types of inverter designs with
a controllable switching scheme, namely Pulse Width Modulation
(PWM) inverters and a special type of PWM called square wave
inverter. The square wave inverter harmonic magnitudes can be
modeled as ‘1/n’, where ‘n’ is the harmonic number. On the other
hand, PWM uses a modulation index scheme and the harmonic
components are more complex to derive. In line-commutated Fig. 2: Schematic diagram of equipment used and the approach of
inverters the reference frequency is based on the frequency of the the test
supply and they are very sensitive to distortions in the supply [4].
The available literature on inverter designs used in PV systems
revealed that there is no specific inverter design or a rating for
residential PVIs. This broadness of utilized inverter designs and
ratings suggests that the selection of design is at residential
preference based on the proposed usage and available space.
Therefore, to understand the harmonic content of the output of the
commonly accepted inverter designs and ratings, it is necessary to
study available literature on practical (large scale) implementations
of residential purpose PVIs [3].
2.3 Harmonics in Electrical System
One of the biggest problems in the power quality aspects is the
harmonic contents in the electrical system. Harmonics are the
distortion of the normal electrical current waveform, generally
transmitted by non-linear loads. Example of nonlinear loads-
switched mode power supplies; variable speed motors and drives, Fig. 3: Experimental set-up for the Research
photocopiers, etc [13]. Electronic harmonic currents generated by 4. Results and Dsicussion
nonlinear loads increases heat losses and power bills of end users. The solar panel was placed under the sun, the peak sun radiation
These harmonics related losses reduces system efficiency, causes was on the panel surface and then 33.8volts was observed using a
apparatus overheating, and power and air conditioning costs. As the multi meter. While observing the voltage, the panel was slightly
number of harmonics producing loads have increased in the recent adjusted and the voltage varied at an angle away from the sun. The
year, it has become necessary to address their influence during output from the solar panel was connected to the charge controller
addition or changes to an installation. Harmonic currents can have with respect to their polarities and when the output voltage was
significant impact on the electrical distribution system and the observed, it read 12.13 volts which was right for charging 12 volts
facilities they feed. Distortion travels back into the power source battery. The voltage was 12 V DC because the solar and the charge
and can affect other equipment connected to the same source. controller were connected without load. Then load was added to the

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 Volume 10 Issue 4 (2022) 11-15 ISSN 2347 - 3258
International Journal of Advance Research and Innovation
inverter which gave an output of 220 volts which was left for about
30 minutes. It was observed again and the voltage did not vary. The
inverter has digital read out which display the readings of the
inverter. The inverter also had an additional socket for plugging the
inverter to mains to serves as another means to charge the batteries
other than the solar system. When tested with the volt meter as it
was plugged on the mains out, it read 12.08 volts which was
basically because of the state of the charge level of the battery. The
battery would normally self-discharge over time even when not
used. Since the inverter included a triple cycle charger, it could
continue to maintain the battery with equalization charge voltage of
about 12 volts just to make sure that the battery does not discharge Fig. 4 (b): Parameters of the inverter under no load condition
even it was on standby mode.
4.1. Testing of the Inverter under load condition
The duration at which the inverter discharges under load condition
depends on the total power of load connected to its output terminal
and the power rating of the battery connected to its input terminal.
Bearing in mind that total load must not exceed 1kVA.
4.2. Performance Evaluation Test on the Inverter
The 1kVA inverter was subjected to different kinds of loads to
determine the efficiency, how long the inverter systems can power
the loads. In carrying out the load test, the load shown in table was
used. The system was tested to ensure that it meets specification.
The test results and performance tests are shown by the table 1.
Table 1: Results of load Performance Test
Time Load Load Output Curr Calculat Battery
Power Voltage of ent ed Voltage
Rating Inverter (A) Power (V) Fig.5: Voltage waveform of the inverter output
(W) (V) Rating
(W)
2:26 1 OX 150w 232 7.2 1,670.4 13.1
pm standing
fan
2:31 2 OX 300w 229 16.7 3,824.3 12.8
pm standing
fan
2:36 3 OX 450w 220 24.8 5,456 12.2
pm standing
fan

Table 1, shows the residential loads connected to the inverter output

to test the capacity of the inverter based on its designed maximum
capacity (1kVA) at different loads and time interval. The output
voltage, current and the battery voltage were recorded at different
loads and time interval thus, the power rating was calculated at each Fig. 6: Voltage Harmonic Spectrum of the inverter output
case as shown in the table above. Load tests were carried out at an
interval of five minutes and it was observed that as the load As shown in figure 4(b), the voltage output of the inverter was
increases ythe output voltage of the inverter decreases from 232V 226.82V under no load condition with the Total Harmonic
to 220 V. The load current increases with increased loading from Distortion (THD) giving negligible percentage. Also, figure 5
7.2 to 24.8 A while the battery voltage reduces from 13.1 to 12.2 V. shows the modified nature of the output voltage with figure 6
It was obvious that the calculated power rating increases with load showing the voltage harmonic spectrum having between 9 -15%
increment. odd individual voltage harmonics with 3rd and 7th harmonics order
having the higher values.
4.3.Harmonics Analysis of the 1kVA Solar Powered
Inverter

Fig.7 (a): Parameters of the inverter under load case 1

Fig. 4 (a): Typical connection for the DENT Power meter used for
the harmonic evaluation

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 Volume 10 Issue 4 (2022) 11-15 ISSN 2347 - 3258
International Journal of Advance Research and Innovation

Fig. 7 (b): Voltage and Current Waveforms of the inverter output

Fig. 10: Harmonics Spectrums of the Voltage and Current of the

under load case 2

Fig.8: Harmonics Spectrum of Voltage and current output of the

Inverter Fig. 11(a): Parameters of the inverter under load case 3

In this case, 10 numbers of CFLs with each having a rating of 24W

were connected to the inverter as load. The total harmonic
distortion was 54.36 %. The measured distorted load current was
2.14 A while the output voltage was 212.839 V as shown in figure
7 (a). The output current is distorted due the nature of the load
connected to the inverter which has increased the 3rd harmonic
distortion of the output voltage which also connotes the high odd
harmonics injection by the CFL as shown in figures 7 and 8.

Fig. 11 (b): Voltage and Current Waveforms of the Inverter under

load case 3
Fig. 9 (a): Parameters of the inverter under load case 2

Fig. 12: Voltage and Current Harmonics Spectrum of inverter under

Fig. 9 (b): Voltage and Current Waveforms of the Inverter under load case 3
load case 2

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International Journal of Advance Research and Innovation
The second load case involved the combination of CFLs and
Ceiling fans as load. The current waveform still shows the
distortion due to the inclusion of the CFLs giving a reduced THDs
of 32% because of the resistive nature of the ceiling fans. As in case
one, the odd order harmonics are still prevalent in both voltage and
current waveforms as shown figures 9 and 10.
5. Conclusion and recommendation
This paper presents the performance and harmonic evaluation of a
solar power inverter with a modified sinewave output using
experimental methods under different load conditions. It is shown
from the results obtained that nonlinear loads such CFLs, LED
lamps and other linear loads have harmonic injection capabilities on
the output of the inverter and in the same vein, the inverter also
emits voltage harmonics due to the power electronics components
used for the design.
Further research will investigate the various power quality impacts
grid connected inverters on distribution systems as integration of
inverter technologies penetrations are getting increase on daily
basis and to ensure a high quality of the PV plants generated power,
power system security and stability, some of the power quality
requirements and standards are recommended to be used in
coordinating the integration of renewable energy in the distribution
networks.
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