A device for PV modules I-V characteristic detection

Abstract

In this paper an electronic load suitable for the PV module I-V characteristic curve fast detection is presented. This device is designed in agreement with the IEC 82 Techinical Committee Standard since it allows the detection of the characteristic starting from voltage values even lower than 3% of the PV module open circuit voltage. The device main features are short time characteristc detection (2 s), limited ripple of the detected characteristic and low cost. Its validation is carried out by comparing measured data with data from simulations. Simulations are carried out considering two different commercial PV modules and by implementing in Matlab-Simulink environment the four lumped parameters PV cell mathematical model. This comparison sets the device is very reliable. Thanks to the device properties, the device allows the execution of experimental surveys directly on the premises, before the plant installation, optimizing the plants efficiency.