An FPGA-Based Solar Photovoltaic Emulator for Grid-Integrated System Analysis

Abstract

The widespread deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in modern grids has driven the need for reliable laboratory testing platforms. Unpredictable climatic factors like temperature swings and variations in irradiance hinder field testing with actual PV panels. Therefore, Solar energy emulators provide a controllable and repeatable alternative by accurately reproducing the electrical characteristics of PV modules. This paper provides a detailed investigation into the modelling and control strategies of a solar energy emulator suitable for grid-integrated PV system. The emulator is based on an accurate PV mathematical model and a power electronic converter controlled to mimic the inherent nonlinear current–voltage and power–voltage responses of a photovoltaic array. The proposed system is suitable for MPPT testing and microgrid integration studies.