A Wireless Self-Powered I-V Curve Tracer for On-Line Characterization of Individual PV Panels

The behavior of a photovoltaic (PV) generator under specific irradiance and temperature conditions is mainly described by its current-voltage (I-V) characteristic. Therefore, the I-V curve tracing has to be considered the most accurate and effective diagnostic tool for the proper identification of PV panels' failures. In this article, an innovative I-V curve tracer for individual PV panels is presented. It ensures the following advantages. 1) An optimized I-V curve measurement due to an innovative tracing algorithm. 2) In-situ characterization during normal operation owing to a proper disconnection circuit. 3) Full portability thanks to a Li-ion battery power supply and a Bluetooth communication. The proposed tool has been designed and realized. The resulting prototype has been used to measure the I-V curve of a PV panel both in uniform and partial shading conditions.