Development of a computer controlled test bench for long- and short term assessment of power electronics for PV modules

A computer controlled test bench that emulates the behavior of a PV module under changing weather conditions is described. Requirements for such a test bench are outlined, and all necessary system components are explained. All of these have been implemented in proof of concept prototypes, but the use of the system still requires knowledge of details and shortcomings in the implementations. However, the concept is proved, and we intend to develop the system further into a useful tool that can be used as a means for assessing the performance of different types of power electronics based output interfaces for PV systems.