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prEN 50530—the new European standard for

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 prEN 50530 – THE NEW EUROPEAN STANDARD FOR
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISATION OF PV INVERTERS

R. Bründlinger1, N. Henze2, H. Häberlin3, B. Burger4, A. Bergmann5, F. Baumgartner6

1
Österreichisches Forschungs- und Prüfzentrum Arsenal GmbH, Giefinggasse 2, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
2
Fraunhofer IWES, Königstor 59, 34119 Kassel, Germany
3
Berne University of Applied Sciences (BFH-TI), PV laboratory, Jlcoweg 1, CH-3400 Burgdorf, Switzerland
4
Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE, Heidenhofstraße 2, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
5
DKE Deutsche Kommission Elektrotechnik, Elektronik Informationstechnik im DIN und VDE
Stresemannallee 15, D-60596 Frankfurt /MainGermany
6
ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Technikumstrasse 9, CH-8401 Winterthur
E-Mail: roland.bruendlinger@arsenal.ac.at Tel. +43 50550-6351 Fax +43 50550-6390

ABSTRACT: This paper provides an overview of the prEN 50530, the upcoming European Standard for measuring the
overall efficiency of PV inverters. It explains in depth the approach and methodology introduced in the standard for a com-
bined assessment of the conversion as well as the Maximum Power Point tracking efficiency. In addition, a background in-
sight on the test conditions, the necessary test equipment and interpretation of the results is provided.

Keywords: Inverter, Efficiency, Maximum Power Point Tracking, Standardisation

1 INTRODUCTION
For an accurate estimation of the performance and
economy of PV systems, the close-to-reality characterisa-
tion of the performance of the balance of system compo-
nents is essential. With respect to PV inverters, manufac-
turers of PV inverters have been well aware that per-
formance, together with reliability is one of the main fac-
tors to which customers pay great attention to.
However, due to the absence of broadly accepted
standard test procedures, performance testing of PV in-
verters up to now has been done in various ways, such as
e.g. specified in [1] or [2], leading to inconsistent results
and making the comparison of the performance of differ-
ent inverter models difficult for the user.
To overcome this unsatisfying situation, an interna-
tional working group1 has been set up in late 2006 to start
with the development of a new standard for the perform-
ance characterisation of PV inverters which has been sent
out for comments as draft European Standard in January
2009 [3].
The objective of the work was to define an overall
efficiency, taking into account both, conversion effi-
ciency as well as the Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) accuracy and to develop methods and proce-
dures for the characterisation of these parameters in the
laboratory. By this, a more differentiated assessment of
the performance characteristics of PV inverters will be
possible, compared to current methods defined in exist-
ing standards such as [1] or [2].
In summer 2009, the draft standard was positively
voted on the European level with a large majority of 90%
of the weighted votes. Also a number of comments were
brought forward by experts from the national commit-
tees, which will be taken into account for the final docu-
ment, which is expected to be published by the end of
2009.
In addition, the new performance standard will com-
plement the recently published standard for datasheet and
name plate information for PV inverters [4].
1 for the conditions, under which measurements have to be
DKE AK 373.0.3 PV Systems Technology
2 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
Based on the approach published in [5], taking into
account the results of recent research activities ([6][7][8])
and experiences of a number of European inverter labora-
tories, a comprehensive methodology has been developed
which allows to characterise the overall efficiency of PV
inverters.
This methodology is based on the idea of dividing the
PV inverter system into two functional blocks, the MPP
Tracker, which aims to maximise the power delivered by
the PV array, as well as the DC to AC converter, which
converts the DC into AC power. To both blocks, an effi-
ciency value can be assigned and by combining both val-
ues (ηMPPT and ηCONV) for a given operating condition, the
overall efficiency ηt can be calculated.
However, in order to get correct results, it is crucial
to consider the fact that the MPP Tracker also determines
the input voltage VDC of the DC/AC converter, which
then influences the DC/AC conversion efficiency ηCONV =
f(PDC,VDC) [7]. For the characterisation of the whole in-
verter, it is therefore necessary to simultaneously meas-
ure both efficiency values in order to ensure that ηMPPT
and ηCONV are measured at the same input voltage (VDC).
The methodology in the new standard emphasises
this fact by requiring a combined measurement of the
performance under steady state conditions, covering
steady state MPPT accuracy and DC to AC conversion
efficiency for the determination of the overall efficiency.
In addition to the performance under steady state
conditions, i.e. constant irradiance and temperature of the
PV array, the new standard also introduces a test proce-
dure for assessing the characteristics under dynamically
changing conditions.
Besides the methodology, also the measurement con-
ditions and the test equipment used play an important
role and fundamentally influence the quality of the re-
sults, a fact which has e.g. been highlighted in [8].
Hence, one of the key objectives of the new prEN 50530
is also to introduce and define appropriate requirements
made as well as the equipment to be used.
In the following sections, the paper will describe the
new procedures, test conditions and environment as well
as data analysis and presentation.
2 THE prEN 50530 TEST SEQUENCE
2.1 Definitions
For a common understanding of the parameters and
correct interpretation of the measurements, adequate,
clear and targeted definitions are necessary. Accordingly,
the new standard [3] introduces a comprehensive set of
definitions required for the characterisation of the overall
performance of the inverter.
2.2 Test environment
Fig. 1 shows the recommended test setup for the
measurement of the overall efficiency. In addition to the
devices already specified in the previous standard for
efficiency measurement [1], the new prEN 50530 re-
quires the use of a PV simulator as DC source, which
provides information on its current MPP conditions
(specified by VMPP,PVS and IMPP,PVS).
On the AC side, either a (stable) AC grid or a grid
simulator can be used.

Selected input related definitions:

VDCmin/VDCmax minimum/maximum input voltage
VDC,r rated input voltage
VMPPmin/VMPPmax minimum/maximum MPP voltage
IDC,max maximum input current
PDC,r rated input power Fig. 1 Test set-up for measurements of the overall ef-
ficiency according to [3]
While the voltage and current related specifications
Furthermore, the prEN 50530 also defines that for
mentioned are commonly provided in the datasheets, a
devices under test with more than one independent input
figure for the rated DC power is usually not provided.
terminal, the measurements itself must be done individu-
This definition is however needed according to the meth-
ally for all specified input configurations. In case of op-
odology for the measurement of the overall efficiency as
erating the inputs individually the total (MPP) power
a reference value for the settings of the PV array simula-
must be split equally over all inputs.
tor (see below).
In case PDC,r is not specified by the manufacturer, it
Photovoltaic array simulator
can be alternatively calculated by
For the first time, the prEN 50530 now defines re-
PDC , r = PAC , r /ηCONV , min quirements for the PV array simulator necessary for the
where ηCONV,min is the minimum conversion efficiency at measurements as “current source emulating the static
rated ac power PAC,r and dynamic behaviour of a PV array, in particular the
current voltage characteristic” (cf. IEC/TS 61836).
Selected output related definitions: It is clear that using an inadequate PV simulator or
PAC,r rated ac output power inappropriate settings for the I/V curve may have a det-
rimental effect on the accuracy of the measurements. In
Calculated values order to avoid this, the standard clearly specifies the I/V
ηMPPT MPPT efficiency, as ratio of the energy drawn by curve models to be used by the PV simulator. In particu-
the device under test within a defined measuring lar, this concerns the requirements mentioned in Table 1
period TM to the energy provided theoretically by regarding the dependency of the MPP voltage on the ir-
the PV simulator in the (MPP). radiance and the ratios of MPP to open circuit voltage
ηCONV Conversion efficiency, as ratio of the AC energy (FFV) and MPP to short circuit current (FFI).
output to the DC energy input within a defined Table 1 gives these values for the most common cell
measuring period TM technologies used today, crystalline Si with a relatively
TM TM
high Fill Factor (FF) as well as Thin Film with a low FF.
∫ p DC (t ) ⋅ dt ∫p AC (t ) ⋅ dt
Table 1 I/V curve parameters defined in prEN 50530
η MPPT = T 0M
η CONV = T0M

∫p
0
MPP (t ) ⋅ dt ∫p
0
DC (t ) ⋅ dt Parameter cSi I/V
curve
TF I/V
curve
ηt Overall efficiency, as ratio of the AC energy out- Irradiance dependency of
put to the theoretically available energy in the VMPP
MPP within a defined measuring period TM. VMPP G = 200W / m 2 0,95 0,98
TM
vL 2 H =
∫p AC (t ) ⋅ dt
η t = η CONV ⋅η MPPT
VMPP G = 1000W / m 2
ηt = T 0
M
or Fill factor (voltage)
∫ pMPP (t ) ⋅ dt
0
FFV =
VMPP; STC 0,8 0,72
VOC , STC
where pMPP(t), pDC(t) and pAC(t) are the instantaneous val-
ues of the theoretically available MPP power, the DC Fill factor (current)
input power, and the AC output power of the device un- I MPP; STC 0,9 0,8
der test, respectively. FFI =
I SC , STC
 These parameters provide the basis for computing the
I/V curves necessary for the test. For this purpose the
prEN 50530 defines a common I/V curve model specifi-
cally suitable for MPPT performance tests.
The model, which is principally based on a single
diode equivalent circuit allows an explicit calculation of
the PV current IPV as a function of the PV voltage VPV
and thus overcomes the problems associated with the im-
plicit nature of the formulas of the classical single diode
models.
Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show some exemplary I/V and P/V
curves of the two different cell technologies specified in
Table 1 for an MPP voltage of 100 V and an MPP power
of 1000 W.
12
10
8 devices under test. However, it is clearly noted that an
Current [A]
(simulated) MPP voltage (VMPP,PVS), which covers the
voltage range of typical MPPT operation under normal
conditions. In case the MPPT operates outside the volt-
age range mentioned above, the requirement is extended.
In addition to the steady-state requirements, the PV
simulator must also be capable to emulate the I/V curves
for transient changing values of irradiance and tempera-
ture. In this case, it is important to minimise any steps
which may occur during the transient change.
Regarding to its dynamics, no definitive limits or
minimum requirements are mentioned, mainly due to the
fact that the actual demand on the dynamic characteris-
tics of the PV simulator varies strongly depending on the
properties of the device under test. Therefore, it is practi-
cally impossible to set minimum requirements which
cover all possible input and MPPT characteristics of all

6 insufficient dynamic may negatively influence the MPPT

4 of the device under test.
2
Furthermore, the PV simulator has to fulfil also cer-
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 tain requirements related to its electrical characteristics,
Voltage [V]
such as e.g. parasitic capacitances or isolation – in par-
1000
ticular for testing transformerless inverters.
Lastly deviations between the actually emulated I/V
800
curve and the setting may significantly influence the re-
600 sults. Thus, it is necessary to verify that the PV simulator
Power [W]

works as intended with the device under test and that the
400
actual parameters generated by the PV simulator suffi-
200 ciently match the settings.
0
0 20 40 60 80
Voltage [V]
100 120 140
AC power supply
On the AC side of the device under test preferably a con-
Fig. 2 Exemplary I/V curves (c-Si characteristics) for trollable AC source (e.g. grid simulator) should be used,
MPPT measurements according to [3] that provides a stable AC voltage. If no controlled AC
source is used it is necessary to verify the influence of
e.g. changing AC voltage on the performance of the de-
vice under test.

2.3 The prEN 50530 test methods

As previously mentioned, the measurement proce-
dure defined in the standard consists of tests under steady
state as well as dynamically changing conditions.
In this section, the test procedure and the conditions,
under which the tests have to be performed, are de-
scribed.

2.4 Test conditions for steady state tests

Fig. 3 Exemplary I/V curves (TF characteristics) for
MPPT measurements according to [3]
The PV simulator must accurately emulate these cur-
rent/voltage characteristic. The key requirement is that
the actual current/voltage characteristics of the PV simu-
lator must not deviate more than 1% in power related to
reference conditions within a range of ± 10% around the
The measurement of the overall efficiency, including
MPPT accuracy and conversion efficiency under steady
state conditions are performed at 3 different MPP volt-
ages as given in Table 2. In order not to exceed the
maximum DC input voltage of the device under test, it is
important to limit the maximum MPP voltage to be
tested.
In addition, the measurements are also performed
with two different I/V curve characteristics, representing
typical crystalline silicon as well as thin film cell tech-
nologies.
For each MPP voltage setting, the conversion and
MPP efficiencies are measured at 7 different MPP power
levels as indicated in Table 2.
Table 2 Test conditions specified for the measurement tions the appropriateness of these factors.
under steady state conditions:

MPP voltage of the simu- Simulated I/V characteristic 2.5 Test conditions for dynamic tests
lated I/V-characteristic of (see I/V curve model in sec- The dynamic MPPT efficiency und varying irradi-
the PV generator tion 2.2) ance conditions is characterised by using a ramp se-
quence consisting of irradiance ramp with different gra-
dients as well as irradiance levels.
VMPPmax (0,8·VDCmax a) c-Si In detail, ramp gradients ranging from 0,5 W/m²/s up
VDC,r c-Si to 100 W/m²/s are used for the tests with two different
irradiance levels, from 100 to 500 W/m² (low to medium
VMPPmin c-Si irradiance) as well as from 300 to 1000 W/m² (medium to
a high irradiance). A setting of 1000 W/m² is used as a ref-
VMPPmax (0,7·VDCmax ) TFb
erence to the rated DC power PDC,r of the device under
VDC,r TFb test.
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the principle of the ramp test
VMPPmin TFb sequences for both irradiance levels, low-medium and
a medium-high.
The value whichever is lower shall be used.
b Each test sequence consists of n consecutive ramps
For devices under test, that are not intended for the operation
(up and down) for every gradient of x W/m²/s as men-
with thin-film technologies, these tests need not be performed.
tioned previously. At the high as well as the low level,
the irradiance is kept constant for a certain dwell time.
MPP power of the simulated I/V characteristic normal- Before each test, an initial settling time allows the MPP
ised to rated DC power, PMPP,PVS/PDC, r Tracker to stabilise. For the analysis and calculation of
the dynamic MPPT efficiencies, only the periods of the
0,05 0,10 0,20 0,25 0,30 0,50 0,75 1,00 ramps (marked areas in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) are taken into
account, the initial settling time is not considered.
For each of the I/V curve settings in Table 2, the PV Ramp tests (low - medium irradiance)
simulator is programmed accordingly and for each condi-
Time considered
tion, the parameters needed for the determination of the for evaluation
MPPT as well as the conversion efficiency are measured Dwell time Simulated
irradiance
(high level)
over a period of 10 min. The sampling as well as the ac-
Irradiance (W/m2/s)

Ramp
quisition rate must be sufficient to cover the specific Ramp up
down n Repetitions
x W/m²/s
MPPT and input behaviour of the device under test. This x W/m²/s
500
covers in particular the input ripple typically appearing at
Initial
PV inverters. settling
Based on the data recorded during the measurements, time
the steady state MPPT efficiency (ηMPPTstat) as well as the
100
conversion efficiency (ηCONV) are computed as (ener- Dwell time
0
getic) averages over the measurement period of 10 min 0 t_0 t_up t_dn
Test time (s)
according the definitions (see 2.1). In addition, the over-
all efficiency ηt is calculated as the product of ηMPPTstat Fig. 4 Ramp test sequence (low-medium irradiance)
and the ηCONV according to for the characterisation of the MPPT efficiency under
PAC changing irradiance conditions.
η t = η CONV ⋅η MPPTstat =
PMPP, PVS
From the efficiencies measured at part-load condi- Ramp tests (medium - high irradiance)

tions, the weighted overall MPPT efficiency as well as 1000

Dwell time
Ramp
the conversion efficiency can be calculated based on the Ramp up down
Irradiance (W/m2/s)

weighting factors for the European x W/m²/s x W/m²/s Time considered

for evaluation
Simulated
η CONV , EUR = 0.03ηCONV ,5% + 0.06ηCONV ,10% + 0.13ηCONV , 20% + 0.10ηCONV ,30% irradiance

+0.48η CONV ,50% + 0.20η CONV ,100%

300
as well as the CEC efficiency (California Energy Com- Dwell time
Initial
mission) settling time
n Repetitions

0
η CONV ,CEC = 0.04η CONV ,10% + 0.05η CONV , 20% + 0.12η CONV ,30% + 0.21η CONV ,50% 0 t_0 t_up t_dn
Test time (s)
+0.53η CONV ,75% + 0.05η CONV ,100%
Fig. 5 Ramp test sequence (medium-high irradiance)
for the characterisation of the MPPT efficiency under
For the time being, the traditional weightings for the changing irradiance conditions.
European Efficiency are used, however it should be
noted that recent research reported in [9] and [10] ques-

In addition to the dynamic ramp test sequences,
prEN 50530 also describes a test sequence at very low
irradiance, which is used to characterise the MPPT per-
formance of the device under test during start-up and
shut-down periods (Fig. 6).
100
Ramp up
at 0.1 W/m²/s
Irradiance (W/m²/s)
80
60
40
Initial
settling
20
time
0
0 500 1000
Test time (s)
Fig. 6 Additional start-up and shut down test
For each ramp gradient and irradiance level, the dy-
namic MPPT efficiency ηMPPT,dyn is calculated according
to the definition.
Generally it is important to consider that the dynamic
MPPT test sequences are not intended to provide an es-
timation of the “average” MPPT efficiency under real
irradiance conditions. Accordingly, the standard does not
require calculating a single “dynamic MPPT efficiency”
nor does it define weighting factors for the calculation of
a weighted average.
Instead, the aim of the test sequence is to provide a
means for a fundamental characterisation of the proper-
ties and performance of the MPPT function integrated
into the device under test.
More details on these issues, including exemplary
test results can be found in [12].
3 CONCLUSIONS
This paper provides an overview of the prEN 50530,
the upcoming European Standard for measuring the over-
all efficiency of PV inverters. The new testing introduced
in the document provides the basis for a comprehensive
characterisation of the performance of PV inverters.
The prEN 50530 introduces the definition of the
overall efficiency, taking into account both, conversion
efficiency as well as the Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) efficiency. Clearly defined test methods and de-
tailed requirements for the measurement equipment and
test setup allow an accurate and reproducible characteri-
sation of the performance of PV inverters in the labora-
tory.
For developers of inverters or MPP Trackers, the
ramp tests show the behaviour of the inverters under
various conditions and improper control behaviour under
certain conditions can be identified easily. This helps to
improve the MPP Tracking algorithms and the control
schemes of the inverters.
Within a single-stage procedure (UAP, Unique Ac-
ceptance Procedure) the draft standard has been accepted
by the majority of the European countries. Some minor
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editorial and technical comments from the national stan-
dardisation committees have been received which will be
considered for the final standard by the working group.
However the procedure outlined in this paper will not be
affected. The final document is expected to be published
by the end of the year 2009.
The new standard marks an important step compared
to the current situation and will enable a more differenti-
ated assessment and benchmarking of the performance
characteristics of PV inverters.
Ramp down
at 0.1 W/m²/s
6 REFERENCES
[1] EN 61683 PV systems - Power conditioners - Proce-
dure for measuring efficiency, CENELEC, 2001
Time period of [2] W. Bower et al., Performance Test Protocol for Eva-
measurement
luating Inverters Used in Grid-Connected PV Systems
Simulated
irradiance [3] Final draft FprEN 50530, Overall efficiency of PV
1500 2000 2500
inverters, CENELEC, December 2008
[4] prEN 50524: Data sheet and name plate for photo-
voltaic inverters
[5] H. Häberlin et al., Total Efficiency η-tot – A new
Quantity for better Characterisation of Grid-Connected
PV Inverters, 20th EUPVSEC, Barcelona, 2005
[6] B. Bletterie, R. Bründlinger, S. Spielauer, Quantify-
ing dynamic MPPT performance under realistic condi-
tions first test results – The way forward, 21st
EUPVSEC, Dresden, 2006
[7] F. Baumgartner et al., Status and relevance of the DC
voltage dependency of the inverter efficiency, 22nd
EUPVSEC, Milano, 2007
[8] B. Bletterie et al., I-V curve modelling for inverter
testing – a critical review of current approaches, 22nd
European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Mi-
lano, 2007
[9] Bletterie et. al.: Redefinition of the European effi-
ciency – Finding the compromise between simplicity and
accuracy, EUPVSEC, Valencia 2008
[10] B. Burger et. al.: Are we benchmarking PV inverters
on basis of outdated definitions if the European and CEC
efficiency?, EUPVSEC, Hamburg, 2009
[11] C. Bendel, P. Funtan, T. Glotzbach, J. Kirchhof, G.
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[12] H. Häberlin, New test procedure for Measuring Dy-
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