Solar PV power plants produce power following sun irradiation. Simply, the power may be similar to the half period of positive sinusoidal functions. It has varying values from small to peak values. So, the transformer should deliver small power to peak value of solar PV power plants. How do you determine the transformer size?
In my experience from a grid connected large scale solar farm, I think, the rated transformer MVA should be the same as the rated MVA of the inverter(s) connected with the transformer. But, remember, as inverters produces harmonics, especially, at low power which is not specified by most of the inverter manufacturers, the transformer should be 'K rated' to avoid excessive heating of the transformer core due to harmonics. Hope it helps.
Harmonics is a big problem, so need capability to maintain stability also in harmonic situation.
dear Shah Rahman,
should we consider the load factor of transformer? can we load the transformer at full load?
Dear Nishant Kumar,
thanks for your suggestion. Furthermore, do you have any idea with normal/common transformer operated under harmonic load?
Do you have access to specs for several other transformers used for this application? From those you can derive a watts/kg metric that will serve for estimation purposes, assuming your design will use the same core and winding topologies. This essentially uses prior successful designs to soak up all the unknowns for you before you dive into the specific design for your project.
Dear Laney,
unfortunately I have no access to specific data of transformers. I hope someone can suggest me the MVA rating multiplication factor of common transformer comparing to K-rated transformer.
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