Automated Solar PV Simulation System Supported by DC–DC Power Converters

Solar photovoltaic simulators are valuable tools for the design and evaluation of several components systems. They can also be used purposes, such as educational objectives regarding operation principles, control strategies, efficiency, maintenance, other aspects. This paper presents an automated solar simulation system with capability to generate tests considering different parameters panels conditions. The proposed simulator is composed three buck-boost DC–DC power converters controlled in a way that will behave similarly panels. It allows introduce additional variable loads maximum point tracker algorithms similar real Some by DSP microcontroller connected single programmable logic controller which generates tests. Thus, using presented solution, it possible implement I-V P-V characteristic curves evaluate meteorological conditions load variations, being useful tool teach subjects related renewable energy sources applications. Several results Matlab/Simulink experimental validate solution. Experimental achieve ripple between 2% 5% desired average current MPP