Z-source converter based zero voltage electronic load

This paper proposes a zero-voltage electronic load based on a Z-source converter. Electronic loads are a family of power converters used as a load in several applications such as photovoltaic [PV] cell performance tests or frequency control of stand alone micro generation. In PV cell performance tests; the zero voltage operation, caused by short circuit of the PV cell, is the main challenge for electronic load design. The ideal electronic load suitable for this application is an ideal current source because the challenge is to draw a specific constant current from the source under test [SUT] even during the zero voltage condition. The proposed converter which is based on the Z- source achieves the ideal current source behavior of draining an adjustable current even when the source voltage is zero. A prototype was built to verify the principle of operation and experimental results are provided.