Low-Cost I–V Tracer for PV Modules under Real Operating Conditions

Manuel Cáceres, Andrés Firman, Jesús Montes-Romero, Alexis Raúl González Mayans, Luis Horacio Vera, Eduardo F. Fernández and Juan de la Casa Higueras
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Manuel Cáceres: Group of Renewable Energies (GER), Northeastern National University, Corrientes 3400, Argentina
Andrés Firman: Group of Renewable Energies (GER), Northeastern National University, Corrientes 3400, Argentina
Jesús Montes-Romero: IDEA Solar Energy Research Group, Electronics and Automation Engineering Department, University of Jaén, Las Lagunillas Campus, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Alexis Raúl González Mayans: Group of Renewable Energies (GER), Northeastern National University, Corrientes 3400, Argentina
Luis Horacio Vera: Group of Renewable Energies (GER), Northeastern National University, Corrientes 3400, Argentina
Eduardo F. Fernández: IDEA Solar Energy Research Group, Electronics and Automation Engineering Department, University of Jaén, Las Lagunillas Campus, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Juan de la Casa Higueras: IDEA Solar Energy Research Group, Electronics and Automation Engineering Department, University of Jaén, Las Lagunillas Campus, 23071 Jaén, Spain

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: Solar photovoltaic technologies have undergone significant scientific development. To ensure the transfer of knowledge through the training of qualified personnel, didactic tools that can be acquired or built at a reasonable price are needed. Most training and research centres have restrictions on acquiring specific equipment due to its high cost. With this in mind, this article presents the development and transfer of a low-cost I–V curve tracer acquisition system. The device is made up of embedded systems with all the necessary hardware and software for its operation. The hardware and software presented are open source and have a low cost, i.e., the estimated material cost of the system is less than 200 euros. For its development, four institutions from three different countries participated in the project. Three photovoltaic technologies were used to measure the uncertainties related to the equipment developed. In addition, the system can be transferred for use as an academic or research tool, as long as the measurement does not need to be certified. Two accredited laboratories have certified the low uncertainties in the measurement of the proposed system.

Keywords: current–voltage characteristics; photovoltaic systems; I–V curve tracer; outdoor characterisation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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