Solar energy harvesting and grid integration: Data visualization, MPPT optimization, and advanced PQ control of inverters

This thesis presents the design and analysis of an integrated solar energy system with data visualization and grid-tied inverter control capabilities. The research addresses two system architectures: Level One, focusing on solar panel monitoring and maximum power point tracking (MPPT); and Level Two, targeting grid-connected power conversion with advanced control strategies. The Level One system implements a data decoding framework for Controller Area Net- work (CAN) signals, a real-time visualization interface, the Incremental Conductance MPPT algorithm, and the real-time monitoring Graphical User Interface (GUI) surface optimized for solar energy harvesting. Short-circuit testing validates system performance under ex- treme operating conditions. The Level Two system develops a grid-connected inverter with synchronous reference frame PQ control for independent regulation of active and reactive power. The Two inductors (L) and One Capacitor (C) (LCL) filter is designed at the resonance frequency and tuned parameters with cascaded Proportional Integral (PI) controllers. Performance analyses prove excellent steady-state and transient responses, power tracking with minimum error in unity power factor. Simulink simulations validate both system levels, demonstrating high conversion effi- ciency and robust control performance. This research establishes a foundation for hardware implementation and contributes to advancing renewable energy systems through improved monitoring capabilities, optimized power extraction, and efficient grid integration.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Tian, Muhao

Contributors dc:contributor

• Banerjee, Arijit

• Solar
• Control

Statement dc:rights

• N/A

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129529

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129529