A Review of I–V Tracers for Photovoltaic Modules: Topologies and Challenges

Current–voltage (I–V) curve tracers are used for measuring voltage and current in photovoltaic (PV) modules. I–V curves allow identifying certain faults in the photovoltaic module, as well as quantifying the power performance of the device. I–V curve tracers are present in different topologies and configurations, by means of rheostats, capacitive loads, electronic loads, transistors, or by means of DC–DC converters. This article focuses on presenting all these configurations. The paper shows the electrical parameters to which the electronic elements of the equipment are exposed using LTSpice, facilitating the appropriate topology selection. Additionally, a comparison has been included between the different I–V tracers’ topologies, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages, considering different factors such as their flexibility, modularity, cost, precision, speed or rating, as well as the characteristics of the different DC–DC converters.

Practical Considerations for Designing Reliable DC/DC Converters, Applied to a BIPV Case

State-of-the-art reliability assessment typically starts from a given circuit topology, for which the most suitable components are selected using a Physics of Failure analysis. This paper, however, addresses the topology selection stage, which is the foundation in designing reliable converters. Based on an overview of the reliability performance of different components, a methodology is presented as a guideline for comparing topologies to one another. The focus is directed at practical consequences associated with certain designs. Furthermore, an overview is provided on the latest developments in component technology reliability improvements. The developed methodology is mainly intended for demanding applications, where long lifetimes are required or elevated ambient temperatures are present. After the topology selection, an overview of possibilities is given that allows further increasing converter availability. Finally, the methodology is applied to the design of module level converters for building integrated photovoltaics, which is a high temperature application with a high desired lifetime. A prototype and experimental results are presented.