摘要
In this paper,a computer-controlled photovoltaic(PV)array simulator consisted of a synchronous buck DC converter and its associate control software is proposed and developed to simulate the current-voltage(I-V)output characteristics of a real-time PV array with actual loads connected.The main advantage of this simulator is its ability in simulating different types and sizes of arrays under various illumination and temperature conditions.It can replace the actual PV array and perform all the simulations indoor instead of outside field testing.The mathematical model implemented in this system requires minimum manufacturer's data.This system is a very cost effective and reliable laboratory tool to investigate the output characteristics of PV array under various weather conditions,and is helpful for developing new maximum power point tracking(MPPT)algorithms.
In this paper, a computer-controlled photovoltaic(PV) array simulator consisted of a synchronous buck DC converter and its associate control software is proposed and developed to simulate the current-voltage (I-V) output characteristics of a real-time PV array with actual loads connected. The main advantage of this simulator is its ability in simulating different types and sizes of arrays under various illumination and temperature conditions. It can replace the actual PV array and perform all the simulations indoor instead of outside field testing. The mathematical model implemented in this system requires minimum manufacturer's data. This system is a very cost effective and reliable laboratory tool to investigate the output characteristics of PV array under various weather conditions, and is helpful for developing new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms.