Applications
PV systems with maximum output.
PV systems should feed the generated energy into the supply grid with maximum efficiency - even under varying conditions due to weather, load or mechanical faults. Using maximum power point tracking (MPPT), PV inverters continuously align the impedance of the solar cells with the maximum power point. The simulation of solar cells creates ideal test conditions for the optimisation of string or micro inverters during development.
MPPT efficiency.
Developers of PV inverters implement complex MPPT algorithms that control the inverter voltage. In order to optimize energy generation from a solar cell, an inverter should always operate at the maximum power point (at peak voltage on the I-V characteristic curve). The MPPT efficiency of the energy conversion is an important key figure for PV inverters. Micro-inverters are mounted directly in the individual solar modules, where they track the maximum power point. In comparison, a string inverter operates at the maximum power point of a complete string and is therefore less efficient than a microinverter. Faults in individual solar modules remain undetected.
The interaction between the DC grid unit and intelligent simulation software creates real test scenarios for optimizing the performance of PV inverters.
Solar cells and modules represent a variable current/voltage source based on their characteristic I-V curves. To test the performance parameters of a PV inverter under realistic conditions, you need a power supply that can simulate the output characteristics of a solar panel. A PV simulator (also SAS: Solar Array Simulator) is a programmable DC power supply with a corresponding simulation function. Intelligent software tools make it possible to create user-defined I-V curves and carry out automatic MPPT efficiency tests. SAS are indispensable in the development of PV inverters by supporting the sophisticated determination of MPPT algorithms.
Testing string and microinverters for PV systems.
Typical measurement applications with the PV simulator:
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Precise simulation of the I-V characteristics of solar cells/modules under different conditions (temperature, irradiance, partial shade, etc.)
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Creation of user-defined I-V curves
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Weather and shadow simulation
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Development and optimization of MPPT algorithms
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Measuring the power efficiency of inverters and MPPT efficiency tests
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Certification and accelerated life cycle tests
Produktempfehlungen.
