Simulation of PV systems with power optimizers and distributed power electronics

There is a growing need for accurate simulation of PV systems that implement new distributed electronics such as power optimizers. Accurate simulation of these devices is critical for optimizing PV system designs and making performance predictions under realistic conditions. The simulation method described here captures the key characteristics of a distributed power electronics system by treating each power optimizer as a black box that transforms an input l-V curve into an output l-V curve. This method can be applied to module power optimizers in series or parallel configurations, and accurately models the characteristics necessary for calculating total energy harvest, including input and output voltage limits, current limits, and conversion efficiency. This general simulation method enables rapid and accurate modeling of virtually all possible conventional and distributed electronics architectures for a grid-tie PV system. Performance comparisons can then be made between any two system configurations. In addition, the black-box power optimizer models facilitate understanding and comparison of the different types of products in this market category.