Real time I-V and P-V curve tracer using LabVIEW

This paper presents and discusses a low-cost and simple technique of monitoring and processing I-V and P-V curve of photovoltaic module. This curve is to be traced using Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) interface capability. The constructed LabVIEW software displays the electrical variables (voltage, current and power) on dedicated graph windows in a real time manner. The current versus voltage (I-V) and power versus voltage (P-V) characteristics are taken for any chosen panel, displayed and stored accurately. The proposed technique holds extra function of a digital multimeter (DMM) interfacing it with LabVIEW and its integration in to an application type of data acquisition and processing. User has possibility to observe and record data in the form of chart, table and file (.lvm) in real time. This whole system consists of personal computer with LabVIEW software, two DMMs, solar module, a variable resistive load. This paper can also be discussed further research plan in the area of load analysis of PV system.