Enhanced Emulation of Photovoltaic Module Considering Partial Shading With an Innovative Interface

Abstract Accurate emulation of photovoltaic (PV) systems is essential for testing and validating control algorithms, energy management strategies, and system integration in smart grids and building-integrated photovoltaic applications. This article presents the development and validation of an advanced, low-cost experimental test bench for PV emulation, specifically designed to replicate the electrical characteristics of a PV module under varying irradiances and partial shading conditions. The proposed system consists of a programmable PV emulator, a DC/DC converter, and a real-time control system implemented using a microcontroller and a labview-based interface. The emulator dynamically adjusts its voltage–current characteristics to match those of a real PV module, enabling realistic testing conditions for power electronics and maximum power point tracking algorithms. A comprehensive matlab/simulink simulation framework is developed to model the emulator's behavior before experimental validation. To ensure accuracy, the emulator is subjected to multiple test scenarios under different irradiance conditions. The experimental results were compared with theoretical and simulated data, showing excellent correlation with minimal error. The emulator successfully reproduces PV module responses under normal and partial shading conditions, making it a reliable tool for evaluating the performance of energy conversion systems. This work contributes to the advancement of PV system testing by providing a practical, flexible, and cost-effective solution for researchers and industry professionals. The developed test bench enhances the study of renewable energy integration in buildings, smart grids, and stand-alone PV systems, facilitating further innovation in sustainable energy technologies.