LabVIEW based PV cell characterization and MPPT under varying temperature and irradiance conditions

This paper presents an analysis of variations in the output characteristics of the mono-crystalline silicon PV cell under different temperature and irradiance levels using LabVIEW as the simulation tool. The base of study is mathematical modeling of PV cell characteristics using the well-known one-diode equivalent model in LabVIEW. The designed tool computes and displays current-voltage (I-V) curves, power-voltage (P-V) curves, maximum power point values (V
_m
, I
_m
and P
_m
), operating power point plot, fill factor (FF), cell efficiency (η), optimal load resistance (R') for maximum power, open-circuit voltage (V
_oc
), short-circuit current (I
_sc
) and saturation current (I
_o
) over a range of cell temperature and irradiation levels. The user provides essential parameters as inputs on the front panel in LabVIEW from the datasheet which are given for standard test conditions (STC). The developed tool facilitates the prediction of PV cell behavior over a range of temperatures and irradiance levels other than STC. The results obtained from the simulation tool have matched well with the datasheet values, hence validating the tool. The model is flexible in the sense that it can be applied to PV cells of any size from any manufacturer. The values of series and shunt resistances are selected so as to have least effect on the output characteristics.