Modeling and simulation of a grid connected PV system based on the evaluation of main PV module parameters

In this work we present a new method for the modeling and simulation study of a photovoltaic grid connected system and its experimental validation. This method has been applied in the simulation of a grid connected PV system with a rated power of 3.2 Kw(p), composed by a photovoltaic generator and a single phase grid connected inverter. First, a PV module, forming part of the whole PV array is modeled by a single diode lumped circuit and main parameters of the PV module are evaluated. Results obtained for the PV module characteristics have been validated experimentally by carrying out outdoor I-V characteristic measurements. To take into account the power conversion efficiency, the measured AC output power against DC input power is fitted to a second order efficiency model to derive its specific parameters. The simulation results have been performed through Matlab/Simulink environment. Results has shown good agreement with experimental data, whether for the I-V characteristics or for the whole operating system. The significant error indicators are reported in order to show the effectiveness of the simulation model to predict energy generation for such PV system. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.