Dynamic terminal characteristics of a photovoltaic generator

Photovoltaic (PV) cells have non-linear electrical characteristics with only one operating point at which the maximum available power can be extracted. This is called the maximum power point (MPP). In order to maximally utilize the energy of solar radiation by using PV generators, they must be forced to operate at their MPP. This is done by using interfacing devices, which are capable of changing the operating point of PV generators and feeding the maximum electrical power to the loads. Although the static electrical characteristics are important when designing a PV generator, the operation of the interfacing devices is also highly affected by the dynamic characteristics of the PV generator. This paper investigates the dynamic properties of PV generators especially from the point of view of the interfacing devices used between the PV generators and the loads. These loads can be e.g. an electrical grid in case of grid-connected generators or batteries in stand-alone applications.