Evaluation of the MPPT efficiency using solar array simulator (SAS) test standard

Abstract

Most photovoltaic (PV) inverters supply AC power to loads or the utility grid. These inverters are produced by various companies with different standards, characteristics and performances. Multiple tests are conducted to evaluate and select the appropriate inverters according to the need, the site location, and grid standards. The elaboration of standard test procedures and a proper certification scheme that provides accurate, credible and realistic inverter test evaluation is required. This test guarantees the market claims and satisfies the purchaser hopes. This paper aims to present the centre for distributed power and electronics (CDPES) laboratory devoted to testing inverters. Also, to perform an example test procedure for the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) efficiency measurement of the grid-connected inverter using the chroma SAS array standard. The chroma 800 power supply equipment is used to underscore PV inverter performances and MPPT algorithms under real operating conditions. The experimental setup includes mainly the PV array emulator, inverter under test and the grid emulator. The obtained test result is compared to the commercial inverter datasheet. The MPPT efficiency result of the 3.3 kWp inverter under the SAS array standard was generally higher than 99.5 %.