Multi-channel photovoltaic current–voltage (I–V) curve tracer employing adaptive-sampling-rate method

摘要

In this study, a multi-channel I-V curve tracer with the capability of measuring multiple photovoltaic (PV) modules has been proposed. An adaptive-sampling-rate method has been developed to enhance the I-V tracer's performance in terms of acquisition speed and data resolution in which enables the tracer to measure the I-V curve for a wider range of current and voltage with higher measurement points. This is important to provide rapid comparison and identification of faults that may have occurred in one or more PV modules. A low-cost prototype was built using an Arduino-based microcontroller, and the experimental tests were performed with 30 PV modules. The simulation and experimental results verified the performance and functionality of the proposed I-V curve tracer.