Abstract
Current–voltage (I–V) curve tracers are used for measuring voltage and current in photovoltaic (PV) modules. I–V curves allow identifying certain faults in the photovoltaic module, as well as quantifying the power performance of the device. I–V curve tracers are present in different topologies and configurations, by means of rheostats, capacitive loads, electronic loads, transistors, or by means of DC–DC converters. This article focuses on presenting all these configurations. The paper shows the electrical parameters to which the electronic elements of the equipment are exposed using LTSpice, facilitating the appropriate topology selection. Additionally, a comparison has been included between the different I–V tracers’ topologies, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages, considering different factors such as their flexibility, modularity, cost, precision, speed or rating, as well as the characteristics of the different DC–DC converters.
Highlights
Pierluigi SianoPhotovoltaic (PV) systems are the most installed renewable energy systems in the last years [1], minimizing production losses is essential
Buck-boost converters have the disadvantage of introducing noise into the measurement due to the commutation of their internal elements, which is why leads from this circuit are used (Figure 17), known as Cuk converters and Single-Ended Primary Inductor Converter (SEPIC) [58]
To select the appropriate topology when facing the design of an I–V tracer, it is of great importance to know the electrical parameters to which the electronic elements of the equipment are exposed
Summary
José Ignacio Morales-Aragonés 1 , Miguel Dávila-Sacoto 2 , Luis G.
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