Measuring Solar Cell Block in Simscape?

I am new to the simscape library so I am unsure how to properly simulate physical models. I am trying to measure the current across the "solar cell" block in simscape under standard conditions. I have linked the solar cell block to a current sensor then back to the solar cell block, linking the sensor to a PS-S converter then a scope. I have included a solver configuration block, as required from what I can gather, and set it to ode15s. When I run the simulation, however, I get nothing read out on the scope. I tried adding a resistor as a load to measure the current across that but to no avail - the current reading is still 0 on the scope.

I'm not sure how to proceed,can anyone help me to see the error of my ways? I would be happy to supply the simulink model if needed.

[Atul Fartiyal]

This video can resolve your problem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfXgqCNl89c

Answer 1

[Yu Ang Tan]

Hi Kevin,

Did you supply the irradiance (light intensity) value? If there's no light supplied, there will be no current.

You do that by feeding a constant value into the physical signal port of the solar cell block.

Regards, YA

[Kevin]

It worked (I had originally assumed the irradiation value in the block would be used as a default in the event a constant was not given)! If I could take this a step further: I have now linked 60 of these cells together to simulate a mono-crystalline panel. I have attached a voltage and current sensor and when running the simulation, i get a 37Voc but no current reading. Is there a limit to the current reading on these blocks?

[Yu Ang Tan]

Hi Kevin,

Glad my answer helped. Sorry I didn't see your comment earlier.

Did you, by any chance connected your Voltage sensor in series to your circuit? You will need to connect it in parallel, as the voltage sensor ideally has infinite resistance. Hence the 0 current.

Answer 2

[Kevin]

Thanks for the help Yu! Instead of using both sensors, I decided to just take the input of my variable resistor and multiply it by the current reading on the current sensor. It seems to be giving me the proper expected data, so all is well! Hopefully I will be posting this model with a simulation m-file to allow users to run these test quite soon!

[Yu Ang Tan]

Hi Kevin,

That's good to hear! But as I've mentioned before: the ammeter should be connected in series to the circuit, and the voltmeter should be connected parallel to the load. This is something trivial, but commonly forgotten for those who don't usually work with them.

By the way, if you haven't already, do take a look at this webinar:

Modeling and Simulation of PV Solar Power Inverters (http://www.mathworks.com/wbnr57525)

[Hossein]

Hi,

Have you tried to connect the DC/DC converter in simscape with PV?

when I connect the converter the speed of simulation goes very slow..

can you help me in this regard?

[JITHIN JAMES]

"I decided to just take the input of my variable resistor and multiply it by the current reading on the current sensor" sorry i don't understand this part, can you please explain me the details, and if possible can you please send me the model or at least a screen shot of the model my mail id is [e-mail]

thank you..

Answer 3

[daniel a]

hi kevin m faceing same problem so can u pls post ur 60cell project or can u pls send 2 ma [e-mail] .

Answer 4

[BALA ABIRAMI]

Hi Kevin...My academic project is with Multilevel inverter...I am trying to supply the input DC with photovoltaic cell...I am trying to construct a Photovoltaic module...I am trying to measure the current across a single solar cell...I am facing a problem with the solver configuration block...I have connected the solar cell with a current sensor and then to a PS_S converter...I have given the irrandiance...I dont know to connect the solver config block..Where should I connect the solver config block and how should i tune it??? What is it s usage??