Improved Performance of Solar Array Simulator Based on Constant Voltage/Constant Current Full-Bridge Converter

Abstract

The solar array simulator can produce the voltage-current characteristic of solar arrays in desired atmospheric conditions such as solar radiation, temperature, and partial shadow. This paper proposes improved topology and control for solar array simulator. This design has key features such as high dynamics response, complete isolation between input and output, and the ability to generate constant current and constant voltage points using both constant current and constant voltage modes. It is also suitable for high power applications. The proposed structure for 10 kW based on full-bridge structure and use of high-frequency transformers, which can be used to simulate the solar array with an open-circuit voltage of 1000 V and short circuit current of 16.5 A. The feasibility and superiority of the proposed topology are verified by simulation in Matlab Simulink environment.