Model development & GUI for a solar PV system

• Main Author: Singh, Vipul Raj
• Other Authors: Muhammad Faeyz Karim
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2022
• Subjects: Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Electric power
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/157961
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Due to changes in the environment and climate, causing a shift in the modern power system towards integration of clean energy and renewable power sources making the power and energy management solutions a very challenging and important topic. Solar energy is still one of the most encouraging renewable energy sources for Singapore with respect to electricity generation. The scope for developing solar power in Singapore is very wide. There has been extensive research conducted on this topic, however, a simulation-based model based on integrating solar PV and GUI together with certain optimizations still needs further study. As solar photovoltaic (PV) generation has a lot of promise for greater development in Singapore, this project aims to develop a Simulink model for Solar PV applications and its graphical user interface (GUI) This project aims to design and develop mathematical models with input-output power relations for Solar PV array, power electronics converters & control (including MPPT), Energy Storage systems, and DC and AC loads. Building a user-friendly GUI on MATLAB’s App Designer is another objective of this project. A 1000W solar model is developed in this project that uses various Simulink blocks. The DC-DC converters designed are boost converter and bidirectional converter, for matching load voltage and battery application respectively. An inverter is also developed to power AC appliances. The solar panel is controlled by the incremental conductance MPPT algorithm to maintain power output at maximum always, and the DC bus voltage is controlled using a PID controller. The GUI for the model is developed on MATLAB’s App Designer. The specific variables were created in the Simulink model and store values entered from the user through the GUI. The model simulates according to those values and presents the results in graphical form back to the GUI. The model inputs solar irradiance, load and various other inputs and outputs electric power that is provided to DC and AC load via the GUI and model. The power generated with the battery backup and other plots are presented on the GUI for the user to observe and infer. The result of the model is shown using four different modes of operation. Mode 1 shows portrays that the Solar PV panel and Battery (Discharged) are unable to provide the loads and there is a system failure. Mode 2 shows that the Solar PV panel is unable to provide the loads, but the battery is charged and hence is used to supply the loads. Mode 3 shows that the Solar PV panel is receiving enough solar irradiance to provide the loads and the charge the battery simultaneously as the battery is not fully charged. Mode 4 shows that the Solar PV can provide the loads and constantly charge the battery even if it is fully charged, maintaining a constant state of charge of the battery.