A maximum power point tracker for PV systems using a high performance boost converter

This work deals with the design and experimental implementation of a MPP-tracker for photovoltaic systems, which is a high efficiency dc/dc boost converter operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM). The converter is able to draw maximum power from the PV panel for a given solar radiation level and environment temperature by adjusting the duty cycle of the converter. Additionally, a passive nondissipative turn-on turn-off snubber is used, so that high efficiency and reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) levels due to the soft switching operation can be obtained. The snubber improves the converter efficiency since the energy that would be dissipated during turning on and turning off is transferred to the load. The control technique, implemented with a single-chip microcontroller 80C51, is based on the perturbation and observation method, where the maximum power point is tracked with periodical calculation of the panel output power. Simulation and experimental results describe the performance of the proposed MPP-tracker.     

Experimental results of controlled PV module for building integrated PV systems

Last issues about Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems (BIPV) still show average Performance Ratio (PR) values in the range of 0.75–0.80. The main causes well known: partial shadows, temperature effects, PV inverter losses, thermal losses, etc. and mismatching losses. Ideally, all the modules work in the same conditions, but differences between modules really exist due to differences in the working temperature, the inclination or orientation angles, differences in the I–V characteristic coming from the manufacturing process, etc. The effect is that the output power of the complete PV system is lower than the addition of the power of each PV module.These mismatching losses can be decreased by means of suitable electronics. This paper presents the experimental results obtained over PV systems equipped with controlled PV modules, PV modules with low cost and high efficiency DC–DC converters, including MPPT algorithm and other functions, such as power control and Power Line Communications (PLC).Tests have been divided into two great categories: tests on the electronic performance of the DC–DC converter and tests on grid-connected PV systems with multiple DC–DC converters. Many of these tests have been carried out taking advantage of the PV System Test Platform, a powerful tool especially designed by Robotiker to evaluate all kind of PV systems, especially systems with differences between modules. Aspects of the DC–DC converter performance have been detailed and among the most important experiments, the paper analyses different situations such as partial shadows, different inclined planes, PV systems with different PV modules, and finally a comparison between a conventional system and a system composed by controlled PV modules have been described. To sum up, the importance of a good system dimensioning is analysed, with very interesting results.     

Comparative study and performance evaluation of central and distributed topologies of photovoltaic system

In this paper, we present a new alternative for improving both the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems and the efficiency of the energy conversion by using different configuration of power converters. For this purpose, a comparative study between two configurations is carried out. The first configuration consists of a classical PV generator with a single centralized high power converter and the second one concerns a distributed topology. For this latter we use a certain number of PV strings with low power converters attached in series, in parallel or in a combination of series and parallel. Obviously the string topology has some advantages. Each power converter can control the power conversion of each module individually, which results in increased overall energy conversion of the entire system. The MPPT control system in this case can react effectively to atmospheric variations, to shading effect and to changes in the load. The PV system still operates even in case of failure on one of the power converters in a string. We simulated and compared the different conversion configurations in order to find the best one in terms of efficiency and produced energy. The obtained results are very interesting and can lead to optimal sizing and selection of best PV topology for a given application.     

Application of a combined particle swarm optimization and perturb and observe method for MPPT in PV systems under partial shading conditions

This paper explains the development of a new algorithm for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in large PV systems under partial shading conditions (PSC). The new algorithm combines the use of particle swarm optimization (PSO) for MPPT during the initial stages of tracking and then employs the traditional perturb and observe (PO) method at the final stages. The methodology has been first simulated in two different PV configurations under varying shading patterns and experimentally verified using a microcontroller based experimental system. The integration of swarm intelligence with PO algorithm is shown to yield faster convergence to the global maximum power point (GMPP) than when the two methods are individually used. The oscillations in the output power, voltage and current of the PV system with the proposed method are the least when compared to the ones obtained during PSO based MPPT.     

Dynamic characteristics and improved MPPT control of PV generator

This paper presents a mathematical model of photovoltaic (PV) module and gives a strategy to calculate online the maximum power point (MPP). The variation of series and shunt resistor are taken into account in the model and are dynamically identified using the Newton-Raphson algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by laboratory experiments obtained by implementing the model on the dSPACE DS1104 board.     

太阳能光伏发电技术及其应用

随着现代工业的发展,全球能源危机和大气污染问题日益突出,太阳能作为理想的可再生能源受到了许多国家的重视。目前太阳能光伏发电技术正在迅速发展,应用的规模和范围也在不断地扩大,已成为当今世界新能源发电领域的一个研究热点。本文在介绍太阳能光伏发电基本原理的基础上,详细阐述了太阳能光伏发电的相关重要技术,论述了太阳能光伏发电技术的主要应用方式和应用领域,并分析了太阳能光伏发电技术的应用前景。     

Steady-state and dynamic performance analysis of PV supplied DC motors fed from intermediate power converter

The steady-state and transient performance of PM and series motors coupled to centrifugal pump supplied from Photovoltaic source through intermediate buck-boost converter is analyzed. The effect of duty ratio selection based on maximum power operation of PV source and maximum daily gross mechanical power is investigated on the solar cell array operating point, motor armature voltage, armature current and motor efficiency variation. Studies are carried out by formulating the mathematical models for photovoltaic source, DC motors, power converter and load. Starting torque variation, Torque magnification factors expressions are derived and their variations plotted for the above two cases. Simulation software is developed for the transient and steady-state analysis of PV supplied DC motors for different duty ratios of power converter and solar insolations. Steady-state and transient performance characteristics are presented. The performance of PM DC motor is compared with the series motor operating under identical conditions.     

Comprehensive review and performance evaluation of maximum power point tracking algorithms for photovoltaic system

A photovoltaic array is environmentally friendly and a source of unlimited energy generation. However, it is presently a costlier energy generation system than other non-renewable energy sources. The main reasons are seasonal variations and continuously changing weather conditions, which affect the amount of solar energy received by the solar panels. In addition, the non-linear characteristics of the voltage and current outputs along with the operating environment temperature and variation in the solar radiation decrease the energy conversion capability of the photovoltaic arrays. To address this problem, the global maxima of the PV arrays can be tracked using a maximum power point tracking algorithm (MPPT) and the operating point of the photovoltaic system can be forced to its optimum value. This technique increases the efficiency of the photovoltaic array and minimizes the cost of the system by reducing the number of solar modules required to obtain the desired power. However, the tracking algorithms are not equally effective in all areas of application. Therefore, selecting the correct MPPT is very critical. This paper presents a detailed review and comparison of the MPPT techniques for photovoltaic systems, with consideration of the following key parameters: photovoltaic array dependence, type of system (analog or digital), need for periodic tuning, convergence speed, complexity of the system, global maxima, implemented capacity, and sensed parameter(s). In addition, based on real meteorological data (irradiance and temperature at a site located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), a simulation is performed to evaluate the performance of tracking algorithms suitable for the application being studied. Finally, the study clearly validates the considerable energy saving achieved by using these algorithms.     

Toward integrated PV panels and power electronics using printing technologies

In this paper, we review the latest developments in the area of printing technologies with an emphasis on the fabrication of control-embedded photovoltaics (PV) with on-board active and passive devices. We also review the use of power converters and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuits with PV panels. Our focus is on the investigation of the simplest implementations of such circuits in view of their integration with solar cells using printing technologies. We see this concept as potentially enabling toward further cost reduction. Besides a discussion as to feasibility, we shall also present some projections and guidelines toward possible integration.     

Combined maximum power point tracking and output current control for a photovoltaic-electrolyser DC/DC converter

This paper covers the design and the implementation of the control strategy of a DC/DC converter aimed for hydrogen production from photovoltaic sources. This control scheme provides tight control of the injected current to the electrolyser and, if required, maximum power point tracking of the photovoltaic source, by means of two independent external control loops. The two outer loops create a reference signal for an inner control loop, which adjusts the duty cycle of the DC/DC converter and sets the output inductor current to the desired value. Embedded design, which includes analog and digital electronics, has been considered for the practical implementation. Converter and control loop modelling, simulation and experimental validation are discussed in this work.     

A maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic-SPE system using a maximum current controller

Processes to produce hydrogen from solar photovoltaic (PV)-powered water electrolysis using solid polymer electrolysis (SPE) are reported. An alternative control of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in the PV-SPE system based on the maximum current searching methods has been designed and implemented.Based on the characteristics of voltage–current and theoretical analysis of SPE, it can be shown that the tracking of the maximum current output of DC–DC converter in SPE side will track the MPPT of photovoltaic panel simultaneously.This method uses a proportional integrator controller to control the duty factor of DC–DC converter with pulse-width modulator (PWM).The MPPT performance and hydrogen production performance of this method have been evaluated and discussed based on the results of the experiment.     

Differentiation of multiple maximum power points of partially shaded photovoltaic power generators

Partial shading conditions have a major effect on the electrical characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) power generators. In this paper, the effects of partial shading on maximum power points (MPPs) of a PV power generator have been systematically studied by using Simulink simulation model of a PV power generator composed of 18 series-connected PV modules. It is shown that the local MPPs can be classified into MPPs at low and high voltages based on the MPP operating point of the PV generator. The results also show that based on the MPP current and voltage it is possible to directly know if the MPP at high voltages is a local or a global MPP. The differentiation between local and global MPPs at high voltages is based on the voltage difference between the actual MPP voltage at high voltages and the theoretical MPP voltage under corresponding uniform conditions. This differentiation method was also tested to work correctly by utilizing experimental measurements of the Tampere University of Technology Solar PV Power Station Research Plant. By using this method, it can be identified if the system is operating at a local or a global MPP. This method can further be utilized to develop global MPP tracking algorithms.     

Modeling and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for PV array under partial shade conditions

Influenced by partial shade, PV module aging or fault, there are multiple peaks on PV array's output power–voltage (P–V) characteristic curve. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are effective for single peak P–V characteristic under uniform solar irradiation, but they may fail in global MPP tracking under multi-peak P–V characteristics. Existing methods in literature for this problem are still unsatisfactory in terms of effectiveness, complexity and speed. In this paper, we first analyze the mathematical model of PV array that is suitable for simulation of complex partial shade situation. Then an adaptive MPPT (AMPPT) method is proposed, which can find real global maximum power point (MPP) for different partial shade conditions. When output characteristic of PV array varies, AMPPT will adjust tracking strategies to search for global peak area (GPA). Then it is easy for conventional MPPT to track the global MPP in GPA. Simulation and experimental results verify that the proposed AMPPT method is able to find real global MPP accurately, quickly and smoothly for complex multi-peak P–V characteristics. Comparison analysis results demonstrate that AMPPT is more effective for most shade types.     

A control scheme with performance prediction for a PV fed water pumping system

This paper focuses on modeling and performance predetermination of a photovoltaic (PV) system with a boost converter fed permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor-centrifugal pump load, taking the converter losses into account. Sizing is done based on the maximum power generated by the PV array at the average irradiation. Hence optimum sizing of the PV array for the given irradiation at the geographical location of interest is obtained using the predetermined values. The analysis presented here involves systems employing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) as they are more efficient than directly coupled systems. However, the voltage and power of the motor might rise above rated values for irradiations greater than the average when employing MPPT, hence a control scheme has been proposed to protect the PMDC motor from being damaged during these conditions. This control scheme appropriately chooses the optimum operating point of the system, ensuring long-term sustained operation. The numerical simulation of the system is performed in Matlab/Simulink and is validated with experimental results obtained from a 180 V, 0.5 hp PMDC motor coupled to a centrifugal pump. The operation of the system with the proposed control scheme is verified by varying the irradiation levels and the relevant results are presented.     

Analysis and enhancement of PV efficiency with incremental conductance MPPT technique under non-linear loading conditions

This paper presents experimental evaluations for variation in the efficiency of energy extracted from a photovoltaic (PV) module (under non-linear loading) incorporated with an incremental conductance(IC) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The focus is on the evaluation of the PV panel under non-linear loading conditions using the experimental installation of a 100W_p photovoltaic array connected to a DC–DC converter and a KVA inverter feeding a non-linear load. Under the conditions of non-linear loading, both the simulation and experiment show that the MPPT technique fails to attain maximum power point due to the presence of ripples in the current leading eventually to a reduction in efficiency. In this paper, panel current is taken as a function of load impedance in the MPPT algorithm to eradicate power variation, as load impedance varies with supply voltage under non-linear conditions. The system is simulated for different non-linear loads using MATLAB-Simulink. A TMDSSOLAREXPKIT was used for MPPT control. In case 2, the inverter is connected to a single phase grid. When a voltage swell occurs in the grid, PV power drops. This power loss is reduced using the proposed MPPT method. The results of simulations and experimental measurements and cost efficiency calculations are presented.     

Implementation of photovoltaic water pumping system with MPPT controls

To increase the output efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) system, it is important to apply an efficient maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique. This paper describes the analysis, the design and the experimental implementation of the tracking methods for a stand-alone PV system, using two approaches. The first one is the constant voltage (CV) MPPT method based on the optimum voltage, which was deduced experimentally, and considered as a reference value to extract the optimum power. The second one is the increment conductance (Inc-Cond) MPPT method based on the calculation of the power derivative extracted by the installation. The output controller can adjust the duty ratio to the optimum value. This optimum duty ratio is the input of a DC/DC boost converter which feeds a set of Moto-pump via a DC/AC inverter. This paper presents the details of the two approaches implemented, based on the system performance characteristics. Contributions are made in several aspects of the system, including converter design, system simulation, controller programming, and experimental setup. The MPPT control algorithms implemented extract the maximum power point (MPP), with satisfactory performance and without steady-state oscillation. MATLAB/Simulink and dSpace DS1104 are used to conduct studies and implement algorithms. The two proposed methods have been validated by implementing the performance of the PV pumping systems installed on the roof of the research laboratory in INSAT Tunisia. Experimental results verify the feasibility and the improved functionality of the system.     

Erratum to “Steady-state analysis of PV supplied separately excited DC motor fed from IDB converter” [Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 71 (4) (2002) 493–510]

Interleaved dual boost converter is capable of extracting more amount of power from the photovoltaic source than the conventional boost converter. Power extraction capabilities of the conventional boost and interleaved dual boost converters from the photovoltaic array are verified through experimental studies. As an application the effectiveness of this interleaved dual boost converter for PV supplied separately excited DC motor is studied through simulation. Extensive studies are made by formulating the mathematical models for photovoltaic source, interleaved dual boost converter, DC motor and load. Steady-state performance of the motor coupled to centrifugal pump load is analyzed for maximum power, gross mechanical energy operations. From the simulation studies, it is found that the motor performance is improved with gross mechanical energy output operation as compared to maximum power operation of solar cell array. Furthermore, the use of interleaved dual boost converter reduces the ripple content both in the source and load waveforms, thus resulting in reduced filtering requirements and improved photovoltaic array performance.     

A new approach in tracking maximum power under partially shaded conditions with consideration of converter losses

The fact that photovoltaic panels are very sensitive to non-uniform insolation conditions, which can occur several times a day, causes a decrease of efficiency and so increases time for return on investment. This work presents a maximum power point tracking algorithm (MPPT) operating on the load characteristic in order to take the converters losses into account. In addition, the proposed MPPT deals with the problems of shadowing for which the power-load characteristic can present two or more local maximums close to each other. Considering the converters losses it can be shown that the maximum output power of the photovoltaic panels does not necessarily coincide with the maximum output power of the converters. The proposed MPPT algorithm tracks the maximum power with the intention of reducing the total losses including those of converters. Its performance is verified by simulation and confirmed by experimental results.     

Composite controller for a hybrid power plant based on PV array fed wind-driven induction generator with battery storage

Hybrid autonomous power plants based on wind-driven induction generators excited by a photovoltaic (PV) array has been recently found to be a reliable power source for remote locations. In such schemes, a composite controller for both maximum power point tracking and voltage control has not been attempted so far. Hence a dc–dc converter with a dual control strategy of peak power tracking when the battery is connected and in voltage control mode in the absence of the battery is proposed in this paper. The development of such a controller is also presented. A d–q axes model of the proposed scheme is given and the results of the simulation of the entire scheme are also presented. The battery charging and discharging regimes have been distinctly identified for variations in irradiations and shaft-torque conditions. Close proximity between the calculated peak power for different irradiations and the peak power observed from the simulated results brings out the significance of the proposed controller. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Study of a double fed induction generator using matrix converter: Case of wind energy conversion system

Due to the growing of the power electronics, especial attention has been given to the use of new generation of power converters, AC/AC matrix converter to which provide a direct power converter AC/AC, bi-directional power flow, almost sinusoidal input and output waveform. In this paper, we present the performance study of a variable-speed wind turbine based on doubly fed induction generator fed by matrix converter using the maximum power point tracking method to extract the maximum power available. The whole system is presented in d-q-synchronous reference frame. The control scheme is tested and the performances are evaluated by simulation results. The simulation results obtained under MatLab/Simulink show the effectiveness and validity of the considered control.