Matlab / simulink based study of photovoltaic cells / modules / array and their experimental verification

Abstract

A Matlab-Simulink based simulation study of PV cell/PV module/PV array is carried out and presented in this paper. The simulation model makes use of basic circuit equations of PV solar cell based on its behaviour as diode and comprehensive behavioural study is performed under varying conditions of solar insolation, temperature, varying diode model parameters, series and shunt resistance etc. The study is helpful in outlining the principle and intricacies of PV cell/modules and may be used to verify the impact of different topologies and control techniques on the performance of different types of PV systems. The PV module/Array performance is immensely marred by shading effect and its P-V characteristics exhibit multiple maxima. The Matlab/simulink based study therefore also points out significance of locating maximum power point for a given Module/Array. An experimental verification is also carried out in the lab by developing a PC based data acquisition system, which is also briefly discussed. Copyright © 2010 International Energy and Environment Foundation - All rights reserved.