Development of a Photovoltaic Array Emulator System in Real Time Considering Climatic Conditions Variations

Abstract

This paper presents the development of an emulator that has the ability to replicate, in real time, the behavior of photovoltaic panels (PV) arrays considering different conditions of irradiation and temperature for each one. The emulator consists of a data acquisition card, a programmable source and a computer. It is based on the bypass diode model that provides a better approximation to real operating conditions. The solution is computed by a simplified equation that uses the Lambert W function, which reduces the computation time. After that, it generates a solution table of values of current as a function of voltage on terminals, temperature and irradiation. Real-time emulation is performed by means of a search algorithm in the solutions table of the closest value to the voltage imposed on the terminals.