Design and evaluation of a low-cost solar simulator and measurement system for low-power photovoltaic panels

Authors

  • Marcin Walczak Koszalin University of Technology, Department of Electronics and Computer Science, Faculty of Electronics, 2 Śniadeckich St., 75-453 Koszalin, Poland
  • Leszek Bychto Koszalin University of Technology, Department of Electronics and Computer Science, Faculty of Electronics, 2 Śniadeckich St., 75-453 Koszalin, Poland
  • Jarosław Kraśniewski Koszalin University of Technology, Department of Electronics and Computer Science, Faculty of Electronics, 2 Śniadeckich St., 75-453 Koszalin, Poland
  • Stanisław Duer Koszalin University of Technology, Department of Energy, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, 15-17 Racławicka St., 75-620 Koszalin, Poland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24425/mms.2022.143067

Keywords

solar simulator, photovoltaic panels, photovoltaics, measurements of PV panel characteristics, MPPT evaluation

Abstract

Research related to photovoltaic panels comprises different topics starting with modelling solar cells, finding new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, testing existing ones or designing of DC/DC converters for MPPT systems and microgrids that incorporate photovoltaic energy sources. In each of the examples above a deep knowledge of photovoltaic panels is required, as well as a reliable measurement system that can deliver continuous, stable light with enough power to meet standard test conditions (STC) and that can ensure repeatable results. Therefore this paper presents a low-cost solar simulator with a microcontroller-based measurement system, that can be used for various measurements of low-power photovoltaic panels.

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Published

2022-12-30

How to Cite

Walczak, Marcin, et al. “Design and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Solar Simulator and Measurement System for Low-Power Photovoltaic Panels”. Metrology and Measurement Systems, vol. 29, no. 4, Dec. 2022, pp. 685-00, doi:10.24425/mms.2022.143067.

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 4 (2022)

Section

Articles