A study on the PV simulator using equivalent circuit model and look-up table hybrid method

For a better researching and utilization of the photovoltaic system, this paper presents a design method for the photovoltaic simulator based on DC-DC converter and DSP controller. The control mechanism is based on a more precise calculation method current mode controller in combination with a new look-up table method. With the new control strategy, this PV simulator can be used to simulate the output characteristics of any types PV arrays under different working conditions. An actual PV module has been built and tested with a variable resistive load and a constant power load as well. The experiment result shows that the output characteristics of the PV simulator are consistent with the actual PV arrays' and the PV simulator could also shift smoothly on its I-V characteristics.