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🔋📈 How to Draw PV and IV Curves for a Solar PV Array in MATLAB Simulink | Step-by-Step Guide 🌞

Introduction

We will explore the step-by-step process of drawing PV (Power-Voltage) and IV (Current-Voltage) characteristic curves for a solar PV array using MATLAB Simulink. These curves are essential for understanding the behavior of photovoltaic systems under standard test conditions. Let’s walk through the complete setup and simulation process in a structured way.

Step 1: Setting Up the PV Array Block

  • Open Simulink and search for the "PV Array" block.

  • Drag the block into your model workspace.

  • Use Current Measurement and Voltage Measurement blocks to monitor output values.

Step 2: Configuring the PV Array Parameters

  • Set Series-connected modules = 1

  • Set Parallel-connected modules = 1

  • Choose a PV module model with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) — for example, 43.99 V.

Step 3: Define Standard Test Conditions

  • Use a Constant block to define:

    • Irradiance = 1000 W/m²

    • Temperature = 25°C

  • These values simulate standard environmental conditions.

Step 4: Apply Voltage Using a Ramp Source

  • Add a Ramp block to gradually increase voltage across the PV array.

  • Set the slope value equivalent to the open-circuit voltage (e.g., 43.99).

  • This allows the voltage to sweep through the operating range.

Step 5: Measuring and Storing Data

  • Use the "To Workspace" block to store:

    • Voltage (VPV)

    • Current (IPV)

    • Power (PPV = Voltage × Current)

  • Multiply voltage and current using a Product block to calculate power.

Step 6: Simulation Stop Logic

  • Add a Stop Simulation block.

  • Configure it to stop when current drops below zero using a logical comparison.

  • This avoids unnecessary simulation time.

Step 7: Visualization Using Scopes

  • Connect a Scope block to view:

    • Voltage

    • Current

    • Power

  • Set scope to 3 inputs and 3 layouts for simultaneous plotting.

Step 8: Accessing and Extracting Data

  • After simulation, check whether output data is stored as structured arrays (e.g., out) or directly.

  • Extract data as:

Step 9: Plotting the Curves

  • Use MATLAB commands to plot:

    • Power vs. Voltage: plot(VPV, PPV)

    • Current vs. Voltage: plot(VPV, IPV)

  • Add labels:

    matlab

    CopyEdit

    xlabel('PV Voltage (V)'); ylabel('PV Power (W)'); % or 'PV Current (A)' title('PV Characteristics');

Step 10: Analyzing Results & Modifying Conditions

  • To simulate different conditions:

    • Change the irradiance or temperature

    • Rerun the simulation

    • Plot new curves using the same method

Conclusion

This guide provides a clear method to generate and analyze PV and IV characteristics of solar arrays using MATLAB Simulink. Such visualization helps in understanding the performance of solar PV systems under varying conditions.

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