Design of a photovoltaic simulator with a novel reference signal generator and two-stage LC output filter

This paper presents a systematic design technique for a photovoltaic simulator. The proposed technique helps improve control loop bandwidth and system response. The photovoltaic equivalent circuit is used to generate the current-voltage reference curves. A novel technique is proposed and implemented with analog controllers to simplify the reference signal generator and to avoid sampling time delays in digital controllers. A two-stage LC output filter is implemented to push the resonant frequency higher and thus allowing a higher bandwidth control loop design while keeping the same switching ripple attenuation as in the conventional one-stage LC output filter. Design procedures for both control and power stage circuits are explained. Experimental results verify the steady state and transient performance of the proposed photovoltaic simulator at 2.7 kW output.