Solar PV System Simulation Using MATLAB/Simulink: Step-by-Step
A step-by-step guide to simulating a solar photovoltaic system in MATLAB/Simulink, covering PV modeling, MPPT, and grid-connected inverter basics. Solar photovoltaic (PV) simulation is one of the most popular renewable energy project categories among final year and M.E students, largely because it combines circuit modeling, control systems, and power electronics in a single project. Step 1: Model the PV Cell Start with the single-diode equivalent circuit model of a solar cell. Simulink's block libraries let you build this from basic current source, diode, and resistor blocks, or you can use the built-in PV array block available in the Simscape Electrical library. Step 2: Generate I-V and P-V Characteristics Before adding any control, verify your PV model by plotting current-voltage and power-voltage curves at different irradiance and temperature levels. This confirms your model behaves like a real panel before you build anything on top of it. Step 3: Add a DC-DC Converter A ...