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Simplified I-V Characteristic Tester for Photovoltaic Modules Using a DC-DC Boost Converter

Author

Listed:
  • Tamer Khatib

    (Department of Energy Engineering and Built Environment, An-Najah National University, 97300 Nablus, Palestine)

  • Wilfried Elmenreich

    (Institute of Networked & Embedded Systems/Lakeside Labs, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria)

  • Azah Mohamed

    (Department of Electric, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysai, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia)

Abstract

In this paper, an efficient testing system for measuring a PV module’s I-V curve is proposed. The proposed system is based on a controlled DC-DC boost converter. The advantage of using a DC-DC converter is that this converter is typically used in PV systems to track the maximum power point and to control the charging of the battery. Consequently, this device is utilized for I-V curve extraction without the need for further external devices. The I-V curve is extracted by modifying the duty cycle of the triggering signal of the boost converter’s switch. The proposed system has been tested experimentally using a 120 Wp PV module. The results show that the proposed system can successfully extract I-V curves of PV module. Notably, the performance of the tested module, as measured by this study’s system as well as with a reference system, was found to be in the range of 61–67% of the performance given in the datasheet. Hence, this result highlights the importance of considering a measurement of the actual performance of PV modules when designing any PV system so as to avoid an undersized system. The proposed I-V testing system can be used as a simple tool to diagnose any shortages or low performance problems in PV system.

Suggested Citation

  • Tamer Khatib & Wilfried Elmenreich & Azah Mohamed, 2017. "Simplified I-V Characteristic Tester for Photovoltaic Modules Using a DC-DC Boost Converter," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:4:p:657-:d:96334
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mahmoud, Marwan M., 2006. "Transient analysis of a PV power generator charging a capacitor for measurement of the I–V characteristics," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(13), pages 2198-2206.
    2. Farhoodnea, Masoud & Mohamed, Azah & Khatib, Tamer & Elmenreich, Wilfried, 2015. "Performance evaluation and characterization of a 3-kWp grid-connected photovoltaic system based on tropical field experimental results: new results and comparative study," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 1047-1054.
    3. van Dyk, E.E. & Gxasheka, A.R. & Meyer, E.L., 2005. "Monitoring current–voltage characteristics and energy output of silicon photovoltaic modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 399-411.
    4. Malik, A.Q. & Damit, Salmi Jan Bin Haji, 2003. "Outdoor testing of single crystal silicon solar cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 28(9), pages 1433-1445.
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    Cited by:

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