Analysis of the conversion efficiency and THD of DC/AC converters used in off-grid Photovoltaic generation system


Authors

  • Nairo Julian Rodriguez Ballesteros Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8471-1579
  • Johan Fernández Zorro Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia
  • Elkin Wbeimar Suarez Chaparro Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22517/23447214.24807

Keywords:

Experimental Design, Total Harmonics Distortion (THD), Efficiency, Inverter.

Abstract

This article presents an experimental analysis of the conversion efficiency and total harmonic distortion (THD) of two DC/AC converter prototypes designed for off-grid photovoltaic generation systems (OPGS). The objective is to determine the influence of two controllable factors; the DC input voltage and the percentage of nominal load at the output, on the converters’ performance. The prototypes, based on unipolar SPWM modulation, were implemented using simulation software, and tested under a factorial experimental design. The study applied statistical methods, including ANOVA, to analyze the effect of each factor and their interaction on the two response variables: efficiency and THD. Results showed that for the first prototype, efficiency is independent of DC input voltage but dependent on load, while THD is influenced by both factors. In the second prototype, both efficiency and THD are affected by variations in both factors, with THD showing instability due to LC network resonance. The comparison reveals that locating the LC filter after the transformer slightly improves THD but reduces efficiency due to increased harmonic losses. These findings are relevant for optimizing inverter design in isolated PV systems.

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Author Biographies

Johan Fernández Zorro, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia

Sogamoso native, Colombia. Received a degree in Electronic Engineering from Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, located in Sogamoso, Colombia 2020. He is teacher from Electronic Engineering School from Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia. He works in Future Solutions Development S.A.S company as research engineer.

Elkin Wbeimar Suarez Chaparro, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia

Sogamoso native, Colombia. Received a degree in Electronic Engineering from Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, located in Sogamoso, Colombia Colombia 2017. he is and hardware developer , and amateur embedded programmer , works in Power electronics, oriented to photovoltaic energy appliances, actually he works like senior research at Future Solutions Development S.A.S company

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Rodriguez Ballesteros, N. J., Fernández Zorro, J., & Suarez Chaparro, E. W. (2025). Analysis of the conversion efficiency and THD of DC/AC converters used in off-grid Photovoltaic generation system. Scientia Et Technica, 30(02), 78–88. https://doi.org/10.22517/23447214.24807

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Section

Eléctrica