A simplified nonlinear power source for simulating PV panels

Power electronic converters play a major role in the efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The development of power conditioning equipment for operation at the maximum power point and for utility interfacing usually requires solar array simulators (SAS) that are relatively expensive. This paper presents a simple nonlinear power source based on a PWM switched resistor that can be used for preliminary evaluations of power conditioning equipment for PV systems. It presents V/spl times/I characteristics similar to those of PV panels and also allows the variation of the solar irradiation level. The operating principles are discussed, design equations are derived and experimental results are presented for a 75 Wp PV panel simulator.