Current–voltage (I–V) curve tracers are used for measuring voltage and current in photovoltaic (PV) modules. I–V curves allow identifying certain faults in the photovoltaic module, as well as quantifying the power performance of the device. I–V curve tracers are present in different topologies and configurations, by means of rheostats, capacitive loads, electronic loads, transistors, or by means of DC–DC converters. This article focuses on presenting all these configurations. The paper shows the electrical parameters to which the electronic elements of the equipment are exposed using LTSpice, facilitating the appropriate topology selection. Additionally, a comparison has been included between the different I–V tracers’ topologies, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages, considering different factors such as their flexibility, modularity, cost, precision, speed or rating, as well as the characteristics of the different DC–DC converters.

The analysis of PV solar panels deterioration allows researchers to know the health status of a panel in order to determine the overall functioning of a PV solar farm. A part of this analysis is performed by thermography, generally using professional and expensive equipment. This article presents a validation for the use of low-cost thermal imaging cameras, reviewing the relative error that can be obtained through scattering, contour analysis and three-dimensional meshes. The procedure is validated by analysis of I-V/P-V curves and a temperature sensor matrix, reaching errors less than 10% with cameras with less than 500USD.

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Power generation from photovoltaic solar systems contributes to mitigate the problem of climate change. However, the intermittency of solar radiation affects power quality and causes instability in power grids connected to these systems. This paper evaluates the dynamic behavior of solar radiation in an Andean city, which presents rapid power variations that can reach an average of 7.20 kW/min and a variability coefficient of 32.09%. The study applies the ramp-rate control technique to reduce power fluctuations at the point of common coupling (PCC), with the incorporation of an energy storage system. Electric vehicle batteries were used as the storage system due to their high storage capacity and contribution to power system flexibility. The application of the control strategy shows that, with a minimum of five electric vehicle charging stations at the PCC, the rate of change of the photovoltaic can be reduced by 14%.

During the day of October 7-8, the congress has invited experts from the sector of Smart Cities to organize a sectoral debate. This debate will be composed of prestigious companies in the sector, Public Administration, as well as specialized consultants. The aim is to give a business point of view around Smart Cities. CYTED is the Ibero-American Program of Science and Technology for Development, created by the governments of Ibero-American countries to promote cooperation on issues of science, technology and innovation for the harmonious development of Ibero-America. CYTED achieves its objectives through different financing instruments that mobilize Ibero-American entrepreneurs, researchers and experts and allow them to be trained and generate joint research, development and innovation projects. Thus, the countries that make up the CYTED Program are able to keep up to date with the most recent advances and scientific-technological developments.