Power Electronics Development Center
Solar Power Resources: Sun Tracking, Photovoltaic I-V Characterization and Maximum Power Point Tracking
To learn more about National Instruments technologies, tools and applications in solar energy, visit:
Below are a collection of some of the top solar power resources for developers.
1. Sun Tracking Example Code
This NI CompactRIO example code startup kit is suitable for 2-axis solar cell (PV) solar tracking or solar thermal mirror tracking (heliostat). Features real-time sun position calculator algorithm, sine-cosine encoder feedback signal processing, PID motor control, and cell voltage monitoring. Also includes examples that draw sun charts using the sun position calculator algorithm.
NI CompactRIO Dual Axis Sun Tracker Example Design
2. Photovoltaic Cell I-V Characterization Theory and LabVIEW Analysis Code
This is the a series of 3 tutorials on assessing the performance of photovoltaic cells through I-V characterization. This series includes an overview of PV cells, and describes the theory behind I-V characterization. The tutorials also include an example setup using National Instruments hardware and a free downloadable library of LabVIEW code for performing the I-V analysis.
LabVIEW Photovoltaic Cell I-V Characterization Examples
3. Maximum Power Point Tracking
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) modifies the electrical operating point of a solar energy system to ensure it generates the maximum amount of power. This involves finding the current or voltage of the solar panel at which maximum power can be generated. MPPT improves the electrical efficiency of a solar energy system, thus reducing the number of solar panels or arrays required to generate a desired output.
Maximum Power Point Tracking Introduction
See also the draft MPPT example code included in the latest version of the Power Electronics Design Guide code. There is more info on this in the comments of this posting.
