Device design and implementation of I-V curve of photovoltaic panels

Global energy consumption and the expected depletion of fossil fuel resources have led to a renewed interest in the research and development of alternative energy sources, mainly solar energy. Research in the field of photovoltaic energy has increased rapidly over the past three decades according to various aspects such as modeling, control and physical extraction parameters. The October performance of a photovoltaic (PV) module depends on the actual operating conditions, such as solar radiation, ambient temperature, and wind speed, in addition to the module technology. These conditions are often outside the standard test conditions, which are almost never encountered by manufacturers. In order to characterize a PV module under such conditions, a short measurement of the entire current-voltage (I-V) curve requires an appropriate data acquisition device. I-V curve trackers are mainly used externally to detect errors and evaluate the performance of PV sources. I-V monitoring, they capture a wide range of operating points, from open circuits to short circuits. Therefore, the design and implementation of the I–V tracker has both software and hardware legs. These two need to be designed and implemented in a harmonious way. It is obvious that the product that will emerge by selecting the design elements from the widely used, easy-to-access and cheap ones will also be cheaper. Thus, it will contribute to the spread of such devices. Within the scope of the thesis, it is aimed to measure the I-V curve of photovoltaic panels. In this context, measurements were made instantaneously and calculations were made with mathematical models. The applied design was concluded by comparing the measurements with an accredited device of similar characteristics in the market.