Modelling & Simulation of Photovoltaic System to Optimize the Power Output Using DC-DC Converter

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The recent upsurge in the demand of PV systems is due to the fact that they produce electric power without hampering the environment by directly converting the solar radiation into electric power. However the solar radiation never remains constant. It keeps on varying throughout the day. The need of the hour is to deliver a constant voltage to the grid irrespective of the variation in temperatures and solar insolation. In this paper I have designed a circuit such that it delivers constant and stepped up dc voltage to the load. I have studied the open loop characteristics of the PV array with variation in temperature and irradiation levels. Then coupled the PV array with the buck boost converter in such a way that with variation in load, the varying input current and voltage to the converter follows the open circuit characteristic of the PV array closely. At various insolation levels, the load is varied and the corresponding variation in the input voltage and current to the boost converter is noted. It is noted that the changing input voltage and current follows the open circuit characteristics of the PV array closely. KEYWORDS:Photovoltaic, Buck-Boost, Maximum Power Point, Direct Current I.INTRODUCTIONThe Conventional sources of energy are rapidly depleting. Moreover the cost of energy is rising and therefore photovoltaic system is a promising alternative. They are abundant, pollution free, distributed throughout the earth and recyclable. The hindrance factor is its high installation cost and low conversion efficiency. Therefore our aim is to increase the efficiency and power output of the system. It is also required that constant voltage be supplied to the load irrespective of the variation in solar irradiance and temperature. PV arrays consist of parallel and series combination of PV cells that are used to generate electrical power depending upon the atmospheric conditions ( solar irradiation and temperature). So it is necessary to couple the PV array with a boost converter. Moreover our system is designed in such a way that with variation in load, the change in input voltage and power fed into the converter follows the open circuit characteristics of the PV array. Our system can be used to supply constant stepped up voltage to dc loads. Solar energy has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a variety of technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wave and wind power, hydro-electricity and biomass, account for most of the available non-conventional type of energy on earth. Only a small fraction of the available solar energy is used [13]. Solar powered electrical generation relies on photovoltaic system and heat engines. Solar energy's uses are limited only by human creativity. To harvest the solar energy, the most common way is to use photo voltaic panels which will receive photon energy from sun and convert to electrical energy. Solar technologies are broadly classified as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they detain, conve...

Development of a Novel Robust Differential Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Method

“…Once the buck converter injected the power from the PV panel and the PI controller starts function, it varies the value of duty cycle which will change the input value that is sensed by the PI controller. By using the PI controller the error has been minimized in the system and the efficiency is improved [12].…”

Modeling of Maximum Solar Power Tracking by Genetic Algorithm Method

“…Fast tracking can be achieved with larger increments at the cost of accuracy. Furthermore oscillation around the MPP may still occur [4][5][6][7].…”