Inductor based I-V curve measurement method for photovoltaic panels

Abstract

The output power of a photovoltaic panel (PV) depends on temperature and irradiance. Aging, partial shading and electrical load can also affect the operating current and voltage of PV systems. I-V curve tracers are used to determine the performance of PV panels in any environmental condition and are widely used in both design and in operation of PV systems. In this study, a simple, effective, and rapid I-V curve tracer method is described for photovoltaic (PV) panels. The method is developed based on transient analyses of current and voltage of inductor load that is connected to a 175 W standalone PV panel via a semiconductor switch. The I-V and P-V characteristics curves of the PV panel are obtained in few microseconds rapidly.