A Fast-Response PV Simulator Based on Improved Deadbeat Predictive Current Control

A photovoltaic (PV) simulator is an essential tool in the control strategy research of PV systems. However, the widely used PV simulator cannot always meet the requirement. A fast-response PV simulator based on an improved deadbeat predictive current control (DPCC) is proposed in this article. It has a fast response and strong robustness. The required control model of DPCC is studied based on the inductor energy balance during the absorption and dissipation stages. An integral compensation link is added for the improved DPCC method, which can eliminate the interference caused by various parameter mismatches. For the proposed PV simulator, the transient response time can be reduced to 1.1 ms. Moreover, the minimum required response time of PV simulators is concluded. The mismatch in transient response time between the PV simulator and the PV inverter is studied. The results show that this mismatch can lead to the unstable operation of PV systems, which can interfere with the PV inverter performance testing. It is proven that the transient response time of PV simulators needs to be reduced to its minimum value. Finally, a PV simulator prototype and a test platform are built; the proposed realization method and theoretical analysis are verified by experimental results.