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EPS Stromversorgung GmbH
Alter Postweg 101 • 86159 Augsburg
Germany
Fon: +49 821 / 570451-0
Fax: +49 821 / 570451-25
www.eps-germany.de
PSI 10000 4U Serie
3.10.13
Simple PV (photovoltaics) function
3.10.13.1 Preface
This function uses the standard XY generator to let the
power supply simulate solar panels or solar cells with
certain characteristics. The device calculates an IU table
from four typical values.
While the function is running, the user can adjust a 5
th
parameter called
Irradiance
to simulate different light
situations.
The most important characteristics of a solar cell are:
•
the short-circuit current (I
SC
), the maximum current
at almost 0 V
•
the open circuit voltage (U
OC
), which almost reaches
its maximum value even in low light situations
•
the maximum power point (MPP), at which the solar panel can provide the maximum output power
The voltage of the MPP (here: U
MPP
) lies typically 20% below U
OC
, the current of the MPP (here: I
MPP
) lies typically
5% below I
SC
. In case there are no definite values for the simulated solar cell available, Impp and Umpp can be
set to this rule of thumb. The device limits the I
MPP
value to I
SC
as upper limit, the same applies to U
MPP
and U
OC
.
3.10.13.2 Safety notices
Due to high capacities on the DC outputs of the power supplies of this series, not every avail
-
able solar inverter can be operated without problems. Check the technical specifications of the
solar inverter and probably contact the inverter’s manufacturer for an evaluation.
3.10.13.3 Usage
In the PV function, which is based upon the XY generator and an IU table, the MPP (maximum power point) is de
-
fined by the two adjustable parameters
Umpp
and
Impp
(also see diagram below). These parameters are usually
stated in data sheets of solar panels and have to be entered here.
The following parameters can be set for the PV function:
Parameter Range
Description
Uoc
Umpp...Nominal device voltage Open circuit voltage at no load
Isc
Impp...Nominal device current
Short-circuit current at max. load and low voltage
Umpp
0 V...Uoc
DC output voltage at the MPP
Impp
0 A...Isc
DC output current at the MPP
Schematic diagram:
Application and result:
U
I
I
SC
U
OC
MPP
I
M
PP
U
MPP
Adjust all four parameters on screen to the desired values. Whether the
calculated IU and P curves, which result from those values, make sense or
not can be verified with tools which can visualize the curve data, such as
EPS
Power Control (only with unlocked Function Generator app) where you
could enter the same values and have the curve visualized upon button click.
While the simulation is running, the user can see from the actual values
(voltage, current, power) of the DC output, where the operating point of the
power supply resp. of the simulated solar panel is. The adjustable value
Irradiance
(0%...100% in 1% steps, see screenshot below) helps to simu
-
late different light situations from darkness (no power output) to the minimal
amount of light that is required to have the panel provide full power.