MPPT Testing Setup Options
Input Side Options
For testing MPPTs, we need to put something on the input to provide power to the MPPT. In the final application, this will be a solar panel.
The ideal input is then an real solar panel since it matches the application usage exactly, but there are some drawbacks to using it for testing.
To better understand the characteristics of a solar panel, and especially the equivalent circuit model, PLEASE read the wikipedia page and make sure you understand the Equivalent Circuit Model VERY WELL!
ALSO - if you haven’t heard of this site, its amazing! I really like their interactive view for PV Shading effects. Shading reduces the maximum current, but does not affect the voltage of the string.
Option | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
1 - Solar Panel (with real sunlight) |
|
|
2 - Solar Panel (with artificial light) |
|
|
3 - Solar Panel Emulator (power supply with very fancy control algorithms) |
|
|
4 - Equivalent Circuit (create the circuit with power supply in CC mode, power diodes, and power resistors) |
|
|
5 - Power Supply in CC with large capacitor |
|
|
Output Side Options
We need to do something with the power that the MPPTs create or else they’ll just charge up the output capacitor and then do nothing. In the car, we use it to power the high voltage bus. Current from the panels goes to motors or to batteries, depending on the current demand. The important thing to note is that the batteries will make the HV bus look like a constant voltage.
Option | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
1 - Battery |
|
|
2 - E-Load in CV mode |
|
|
3 - Resistive load |
|
|