A New Algorithm for Rapid Tracking of Approximate Maximum Power Point in Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

Abstract-This paper presents a new algorithm for tracking maximum power point in photovoltaic systems. This is a fast tracking algorithm, where an initial approximation of maximum power point is (MPP) quickly achieved using a variable step-size. Subsequently, the exact maximum power point can be targeted using any conventional method like the hill-climbing or incremental conductance method. Thus, the drawback of a fixed small step-size over the entire tracking range is removed, resulting in reduced number of iterations and much faster tracking compared to conventional methods. The strength of the algorithm comes from the fact that instead of tracking power, which does not have a one-to-one relationship with duty cycle, it tracks an intermediate variable , which has a monotonically increasing, one-to-one relationship. The algorithm has been verified on a photovoltaic system modeled in Matlab-Simulink software. The algorithm significantly improves the efficiency during the tracking phase as compared to a conventional algorithm. It is especially suitable for fast changing environmental conditions. The proposed algorithm can be implemented on any fast controller such as the digital signal processor. All the details of this study are presented.Index Terms-Maximum power point (MPP) tracking, photovoltaic.

Backstepping Controller Design to Track Maximum Power in Photovoltaic Systems

“…A nonlinear backstepping controller [16][17][18] in a buckboost converter has been designed to track the maximum power point with the help of a regression plane, which provides the PV array output reference voltage helped by a modified P&O method to achieve the MPP faster [19][20]. This case, the duty ratio of the switching converter of the buck-boost converter is controlled.…”

“…Firstly, the errors should be defined taking into account the references, as follows in (19), the error of the voltage, (20), the error of the current and, (21), the error of the controller:…”

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control of pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) salinity power plant: Development and comparison of different techniques

“…MPPT is used to operate the renewable energy generators in a manner to maximize the output power, irrespective of the operational fluctuations and variations. According to the significant development in last decades, several algorithms have been developed in tracking the maximum power point (MPP) for not only solar PV arrays [20][21][22][23][24][25][26] but also for fuel cell power plant [27,28]. In this context, in order to maximize the performance of PRO in practice, MPPT controller is essential to ensure the design operation and performance of a PRO power plant.…”

Implementation of a low cost data acquisition board for photovoltaic arrays analysis and diagnostic

“…These systems consist of solar cells for energy extraction from the sun and power converters for load or grid interface [1][2][3][4][5]. The power converter connected to the solar cells is also used to generate maximum power from the PV array [6][7][8][9][10][11]. PV panels are also characterized by nonlinear voltage-current characteristics, and the insolation and ambient temperature are unpredictable.…”