APPLICATION OF MODEL BASED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING APPROACH IN THE MODELLING OF GRID CONNECTED INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCER PHOTOVOLTAIC

SYSTEMS
D.N. Luta, W. Fritz, A.K. Raji
Department of Electrical Engineering
Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus, South Africa
Corresponding authors email: 212123254@mycput.ac.za
Abstract
Model Based Systems Engineering refers to a formalised practise of systems development
through the application of modelling principles, methods, languages and tools to the entire
lifecycle of a system. This study presents the modelling of grid connected Independent
Power Producer (IPP) photovoltaic systems using the System Modelling Language (SysML),
which is a modelling language that supports Model Based System Engineering practices.
Broadly speaking, the modelling of a power system is performed using software such as
Matlab, DigSilent and PowerWorld. These software types allow modelling of a system
considering only a specific point of view depending on the objective that is to be assessed.
SysML offers the advantages of modelling a system considering different aspects such as
specifications and requirements, structure and behaviours. This study focuses more
specifically on the structure and behaviour of Independent Power Producer photovoltaic
systems (IPPs).

The structure model of the system is done using block definition diagram (BDD) and the
internal block Diagram (IBD).
This step consists of connecting the parts of the overall system and describing the
interaction between them. This is done using an Internal Block Definition Diagram (IBD).
The IBD of the system can be seen in Figure 6. This IBD is characterized by three different
types of elements which are: the part properties, the item flows and the ports.

1. Introduction
A typical IPP photovoltaic system is shown in figure 1 and consists of important PV system
components such as PV arrays, a Power Conditioners Unit (PCU) and the loads. IPPs are
connected to the Utility grid via the electrical distribution system. Originally, the electrical
distribution system was designed to supply power to the consumers using a unidirectional
path from the generation systems to the transmission system, the sub-transmission and
finally to the primary and secondary distribution. Nowadays, this traditional path is broken.
Today, we can find in the electrical distribution system some other power generation
systems mostly based on renewable energy resources and bringing new challenges in how
to plan and operate networks distribution.

Figure 3 BDD of the system

PCU

Utility

Figure 4 IBD of the system

PV arrays

IPP PV system
ss

Loads

Figure 1 IPP photovoltaic system

2. Research problem
Provide strategies for the operation and the management of the electrical energy
generated by IPPs photovoltaic systems in order to maintain the power quality of the
electrical grid.
3. Modelling methodology
The modelling methodology adopted in this research is shown in figure 1 and considers
three major inputs: the Stakeholders requirements (stakeholders wishes and needs), the
standards (set of rules and regulations issued by government and international corporates)
and the model domain (environment interacting with the system).
Stakeholders
requirements

Model
Domain

Standards

System level requirements specification

Structural
Models

Behavioural
Models

Model Use Case

scenario

Block Definition
Diagram

Sequence Diagram
Internal Diagram

Conclusion
Activity Diagram
Parametric Diagram

State Machine Diagram

Figure 1 Modelling methodology

3 IPP photovoltaic system modelling
3.1 Structure model of IPP photovoltaic