Current source inverter (CSI) features simple converter structure and inherent voltage boost capability. In addition, it provides low instantaneous rate of voltage change with respect to time in comparison to voltage source inverter (VSI) and multilevel inverter (MLI). Nonetheless, CSI does not outshine as grid interfacing unit in photovoltaic (PV) generation system. This is because of requirement of large sizing of dc-link inductor and sluggish performance during light load condition. Contemplating both advantages and disadvantages of CSI, this work is aimed to investigate and analyze the superiority of CSI in PV system. The proposed system employs direct regular-sampled pulse width modulation (DRSPWM) as modulator and multi-loop proportional-integral (PI) in synchronous frame as the controller. The grid-connected CSI system is further evaluated along with photovoltaic maximum power point tracking (PV-MPPT) control. Simulation verification highlighted that the option of using CSI as medium power PV grid integration unit in exchanging active-reactive power with grid network is very satisfactory. In addition, balanced sinusoidal output currents with acceptable harmonic limit are successfully achieved; like other topologies in PV grid integration. The proposed CSI system is proved to be able to track the references in event of varying input condition from PV array. The theoretical equations and modeling are described, and the simulation are conducted in MATLAB / Simulink platform.
