I–V curve simulation by multi-module simulator using I–V magnifier circuit

This paper presents an I–V curve simulation of PV array/modules using multi I–V magnifier circuits. The circuit magnifies an I–V output of a pn photo-sensor, which is regarded as a small solar cell, by analog technology. About 30 W I–V curve simulator circuits were made and their characteristics were evaluated. LED light irradiated into the photo-sensor works like irradiation of sun light on real PV modules. It has been confirmed that each voltage gain and current gain of the circuit is independently adjustable and the circuit magnifies an I–V output of the photo-sensor successfully. FF of the circuit can be modified by shunt register connected to the photo-sensor in parallel. The circuit showed enough response ability to apply the maximum power point tracker evaluation of PV inverters. Temperature dependence of module output can be simulated by temperature control of the photo-sensor. The result of output characteristics of series connection of the I–V magnifier circuits suggests that the simulator system composed of multi I–V magnifier circuit could simulate partial shading effect of PV array output.