Static and dynamic response of a photovoltaic characteristics simulator

In this paper a simulator of photovoltaic generators with programmable electrical characteristics is presented. The proposed system has the ability to generate the current-voltage curves of photovoltaic modules under any desirable insolation and temperature conditions. The system is also capable of integrating any maximum power point tracking algorithm under a unified control. The simulatorpsilas aim is the introduction of a faster, spherical and more effective approach in experimental investigation of photovoltaic systems, either in standalone or grid connected applications, independently from the atmospheric conditions. Towards this aim, the use of a DC power supply, controlled through a data acquisition card by appropriate algorithms, is proposed. These algorithms are implemented on a personal computer. Special effort was given in the development of a simplified user interface that monitors and controls the entire system offering effortless and faster conclusions.