A High Power Current-Voltage Curve Tracer Employing A Capacitive Load
Abstract
A portable photovoltaic voltage versus current curve tracer is discussed. The curve tracer employs a capacitive load to provide automatic sweeping of the array voltage. The unit is capable of measuring arrays of up to 10 kW in power but is smaller and lighter than a conventional 2.5 kW dissipative load.
The current versus voltage (I-V) plot of a photovoltaic array or module is a powerful diagnostic aid. Many recently built photovoltaic installations are in remote locations, which presents the problem of transporting bulky testing equipment. As photovoltaic power becomes more common, a service industry will be needed to develop and supply portable diagnostic instruments capable of measuring modules or entire arrays. Extensions of the present steady state dissipative methods for making I-V curves will not be
adequate to fill these needs.
Written by John on November 7th, 2008 with
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