This project involves the design, development, and verification of a photovoltaic (PV) simulator. This DC-DC converter allows a standard power supply to emulate the I-V characteristics of an actual PV panel. This is necessary in order to verify the accuracy of certain maximum power point tracking algorithms. The system takes advantage of a two-stage output filter in order to enhance dynamic response while maintaining high ripple attenuation. The control circuitry utilizes an analog equivalent circuit to generate the appropriate reference values.
Key Advantages:
Power stage uses a switch-mode dc-dc converter to allow high
voltage and/or high current output.
Output voltage and current follow the reference curve precisely
with desired conversion ratios by the use of a PID controller.
Reasonably fast output response without distortion under 40-Hz
irradiance perturbation.
No need to provide the light source for different irradiance
level testing because of the use of voltage-controlled current-source.
A two-stage LC filter allows ripple-free output and high cut-off
frequency for fast loop bandwidth design.
Simple and low cost implementation for PV equivalent circuit and
power-stage of the dc-dc converter.
