New PV Array Simulator of 100 kW: Results of first Tests at a PV Inverter of 100 kW

摘要

The PV laboratory of BFH-TI in Burgdorf has developed two linear PV generator simulators up to 25 kW with high stability and fast transient response between 2000 and 2004. With these devices, which are controlled by computers, it is possible to perform semi-automated tests of PV inverters including the measurement of MPP-tracking efficiency. From these measurements, the total or overall efficiency can be calculated. So far many inverter tests have been performed with this equipment (see www.pvtest.ch). As 100 kW is an important power limit in many countries, in a research project funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the PV laboratory was mandated to develop a corresponding PV array simulator of 100 kW (V_(OC) ≤ 810 V/I_(SC) ≤ 156 A). A first presentation of the state of this project was given at Valencia in 2008. In January 2009 this new PV array simulator was fully operational and it is now possible to perform automated tests under computer control (like those performed at low power devices) at much more powerful inverters up to 100 kW. In this paper, the results of first successful tests at a 100 kW-inverter Solarmax 100°C are described.