Development of compact I-V curve tracer and load simulator for photovoltaic laboratory test rig

Background

The utilization of solar energy systems gains importance day by day in many countries. Companies and universities offer various training sessions, short courses, and certificate programs to close the gap between experienced professionals in designing and utilizing PV (and PVT) systems. Modeling, analyzing, and designing PV solar energy systems are taught in various courses delivered to MSc and BSc students also here at KTH. Hands-on experience plays a crucial part in understanding the underlying physical phenomena and also obtaining practical experience in system operations, to complement the theoretical knowledge delivered through the courses. Such hands-on experience could be obtained from hardware and remotely accessible PV system simulator that allows studying photovoltaic phenomena by utilizing advanced solar simulator, industrial-sized PV (and PVT) panels, real DC and AC loads with inverter and battery storage capabilities, relevant measuring instruments, and equipment for identifying PV panels characteristic, comparing characteristics of different PV panel designs, studying the environmental effect on PV panels performance and PV system design and implementations.

I-V curve tracing is an essential method for characterizing solar PV systems, as it reveals key performance parameters. By incorporating this feature into a versatile laboratory setup, the proposed test rig will enable detailed performance analysis of different types of PV module. However, there are different methods for I-V curve tracing with various advantages and disadvantages that could be used, thus methods should be compared and the most suitable approach should be selected.

Thesis objectives

The aim of the thesis is to develop compact I-V curve tracer based on Arduino and PV panels load simulator (PWM/MPT controllers and DC load) for integration into solar photovoltaic laboratory test rig PV Lab. I-V curve tracer should be experimentally validated and compared to the existing approach.

Main deliverables

The main deliverables of the project include, but are not limited to:

• Final thesis report and presentation of the project.

• Design and technical specification of I-V curve tracer.

• Assembled and tested components.

• Draft of training/learning media materials.

Duration

The project should start in Jan-Feb 2025, with a duration of up to 6 months.

Location

KTH, Department of Energy Technology

Main Supervisor

Examiner