Suitable Matlab-Simulink simulator for PV system based on a two-diode model under shading conditions

Abstract

This paper proposes a photovoltaic system modeling and characterization software based on Matlab-Simulink in order to estimate the parameters and the characteristic and electrical behavior of a cell/module with respect to changes in environmental parameter regarding irradiance, temperature, and surface conditions (partial shading). The first objective is to find the parameters of the nonlinear I–V equation by adjusting the curve regarding three particular points: open circuit, maximum power, and short circuit. Given these three points, which are provided by all commercial module datasheets, the method finds the best I–V equation for the two-diode photovoltaic (PV) model, with the best series and parallel resistances estimates. The accurateness of the simulator is verified by applying the model to different manufacturer's modules. Thanks to an interactive graphic interface, this software offers a great flexibility to PV professional and to researchers.