PV Simulator
What is a PV Simulator?
A PV simulator, also known as a Solar Array Simulator, replicates the electrical behavior of a photovoltaic source on a test bench. For this purpose, it provides a defined I-V characteristic, as generated by a PV module or PV array. Voltage and current vary depending on the respective operating point. Suitable devices can be found in the Simulators category.
PV simulators are primarily used to test PV inverters, MPPT controllers and other devices with a PV input. This allows PV inverters and MPPT controllers to be tested reproducibly, independently of PV modules and current solar irradiance.
Depending on the device, different characteristic curves and profiles can be specified. This makes it possible to test how an inverter responds to changing operating conditions and whether the MPPT control reliably finds the intended operating point.
PV simulators differ in their voltage, current and power ranges as well as in characteristic-curve support and dynamic performance. The characteristic curves and profiles that can be specified depend on the respective system.