Small-Scale PV Emulator for Experimental Control Validation
Abstract
The transition to renewable energy sources is crucial to alleviate and regulate the global climate regime. Redefining the current energy grid is a crucial step towards replacing carbon-based sources, such as oil and coal, with cleaner, renewable alternatives. Such transition plays a key role in achieving the different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030, particularly SDG 7. In this context, photovoltaic solar energy has emerged as a promising solution, especially in Brazil, where the average annual solar irradiance exceeds 5 kWh/m² per day across most of the vast territory. Accordingly, we discuss herein the development of a small-scale realistic photovoltaic emulator and its corresponding closed-loop control system design. In our study, we identify the photovoltaic plant’s dynamic behaviour and static characteristics using standard Least-Square arguments and a Linear Parameter Varying model. Furthermore, we tune a robust PI controller such that the proposed system becomes able to emulate different solar energy generation profiles in closed-loop. The developed test-bench serves to conduct realistic solar energy generation experiments, supporting both control systems research and educational outreach activities.
Keywords
Photovoltaics, System identification, Linear Parameter Varying Systems, PI control, Brazil