Open source modeling of advanced inverter functions for solar photovoltaic installations

With the increasing penetration of solar photovoltaic installations on the electric power system, advanced inverter functions may provide benefits to the utility and owner of the PV installation. Three advanced inverter functions to minimize effects of the variable nature of PV are described: volt-watt control, volt-var control, and dynamic reactive current control. Each inverter control mode is described and an example of the impact on a distribution feeder is given. Examples of modeling in the open-source OpenDSS program are provided.