Desing and implementation of a test bench for PV panels

Abstract

Though intermittent, solar energy is a clean and eternal source of energy. PV (Photo- voltaic) cell is one of the technology to harness the solar energy and use it as electricity. In recent years rising cost of electricity and environmental concerns have made the solar PV tech- nology a rising research field . In this research field the efficiency improvement is the focal point for the researchers. Because of intermittent weather conditions the output power of the solar cell varies directly to the irradiance level and inversely to the cell temperature and cell never operates at its maximum power. This report focuses on the design and implementation of a test bench for photovoltaic (PV) panels, aiming to provide a real interface between the user and the panel to facilitate testing under specific irradiance and temperature conditions . The project comprises two circuits: one for controlling irradiance using an AC dimming circuit with six halogen lamps, allowing the user to adjust the light intensity through LabVIEW. The circuit also incorporates a light sensor that measures lux values, which are then converted to irradiance. The second circuit involves temperature control, achieved by employing a DC fan. Both circuits are controlled using an Arduino Uno board, while LabVIEW software is utilized for data visualization and user interface control. The developed test bench provides a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for accurate and controlled testing of PV panels under desired irradiance and