Comparative modelling and parameter extraction of a single- and two-diode model of a solar cell

Abstract

In this paper, a parameter extraction technique of a single- and a two-diode photovoltaic (PV) solar cell models using MATLAB/Simulink are presented. To reduce the computational time, the proposed method uses an accurate iterational technique and limits the inputs to four parameters, which are normally provided by the manufacturers' datasheets. Derived models are validated by plotting their I-V characteristics and compared to a photovoltaic (PV) cell under variable conditions of solar irradiance and temperature. The main contribution of this work is to validate the utilization of the two-diode model as a better representative model of a PV cell. This is important particularly at low levels of solar irradiance and temperature.