Title :
Design of a maximum power point sensor for photovoltaic systems
Author :
Schripsema, J. ; Johnston, M. ; Holmes, A.
Author_Institution :
AstroPower Inc., Newark, DE, USA
Abstract :
One of the challenges inherent in assessing the performance of a large number of grid-connected photovoltaic systems is the cost of the tools necessary to measure and record solar irradiance and PV array temperature. This paper presents a new, low-cost tool called a maximum power point sensor that is designed to predict the performance of an PV array and act as a reference from which to gauge the energy produced by a system. Such a device could also be used to provide an indication of potential problems within a system. The design, construction, and field testing of this device is described.
Keywords :
atmospheric measuring apparatus; photovoltaic power systems; power measurement; solar cell arrays; solar cells; sunlight; temperature measurement; thermistors; PV array performance prediction; PV array temperature recording; field testing; grid-connected photovoltaic systems; maximum power point sensor; photovoltaic systems; solar cell; solar irradiance recording; thermistor network; Extraterrestrial measurements; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic systems; Resistors; Sensor arrays; Sensor systems; Temperature distribution; Temperature sensors; Thermistors; Voltage;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 2002. Conference Record of the Twenty-Ninth IEEE
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-7471-1
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.2002.1190887
