Measuring the I-V curve of PV generators

Abstract

This article discusses a new experimental way to measure the I-V characteristic curve of photovoltaic (PV) generators based on dc-dc converters. The obtained results show that the classical buck and boost converters are not capable of reproducing the whole I-V curve of PV generators and that the single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) is optimal for this application. We propose a method based on SEPIC converters in parallel connection, operating in an interleaved mode. This method gives the following advantages with respect to the use of conventional methods: 1) It allows a direct display of the I-V curve.