A Digitally Implemented Photovoltaic Simulator with a Double Current Mode Controller
Abstract
This paper presents a microcontroller- and DC-DC converter-based photovoltaic (PV) simulator which emulates the output characteristics of a real solar panel. In particular, the PV simulator designed is portable and has a maximum output power of 85W. The control mechanism is based on a double current mode controller in combination with an IV curve look-up-table that generates the output reference current based on the measured output voltage. Stability analysis is performed based on the classical phase margin and gain margin criteria. Finally, the performance of the PV simulator is examined in terms of its steady state IV curve matching capabilities and the convergence time to the PV module IV curve of interest corresponding to a step change in load. The result shows a well behaved and responsive PV simulator that can be treated just like a real PV module in most situations.
Recommended Citation
J. Zhao and J. W. Kimball, "A Digitally Implemented Photovoltaic Simulator with a Double Current Mode Controller," Proceedings of the 27th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (2012, Orlando, FL), pp. 53 - 58, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Feb 2012.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1109/APEC.2012.6165798
Meeting Name
27th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (2012: Feb. 5-9, Orlando, FL)
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Control Mechanism; Convergence Time; Current Mode Control; Current Mode Controllers; Digital Control; Gain Margin; I-V Curve; Look-Up-Table; Maximum Output Power; Output Characteristics; Output Voltages; Phase Margins; Photovoltaic; PV Modules; Reference Currents; Solar Panels; Stability Analysis; Steady State; Step Changes; DC-DC Converters; Digital Control Systems; Exhibitions; Photovoltaic Effects; Power Electronics; Solar Concentrators; Simulators; Predictive Current Mode Control; Solar Panel IV Curve
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-1457712159; 978-1457712166
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1048-2334
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2012 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Feb 2012
