Inductor Based I-V Curve Tracer for Photovoltaic Panels

Abstract

Abstract The output power of a photovoltaic panel (PV) panel is depend on temperature and irradiance. Aging, partial shading and electrical load can also affect the operating current and voltage of a PV. The usage of I-V curves take important place in the designing and operating PV system. I-V curve tracers are used to determine the performance of PV panels at any environmental condition. 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 an inductor which is connected to the 175 W standalone PV panel as a load via a semiconductor switch. The I-V and P-V characteristics curves of the PV panel are obtained in few microseconds rapidly.