A DC/DC Converter Based Circuit Model for a Solar Photovoltaic Array

In this paper a circuit model to emulate the I-V behavior of a PV field taking into account the environmental changes in solar irradiance and temperature is proposed. The presented circuit model is based on a DC/DC power converter topology. The I-V curves are obtained through experimental data coming from a 1,45 kWp PV plant, then, by using a simplified single diode mathematical model of the PV cell and a suitable parameter identification technique, the DC/DC converter control law is deduced. The proposed circuit model is intended as a fundamental step for the practical design and set up of an experimental PV array emulator. Therefore it is particularly useful to test the optimal matching between the PV generator and the power electronic interface to the utility or load, taking into account the environmental parameters without the need for installation of a PV field.