Perturb and Observe Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Cell

Abstract

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are used in photovoltaic (PV) systems to maximize the PV array output power by tracking continuously the maximum power point (MPP) which depends on panel’s temperature and on irradiance conditions. The issue of MPPT has been addressed in different ways in the literature but, especially for low-cost implementations, the perturb and observe (P&O) maximum power point tracking algorithm is the most commonly used method due to its ease of implementation. A drawback of P&O is that, at steady state, the operating point oscillates around the MPP giving rise to the waste of some amount of available energy; moreover, it is well known that the P&O algorithm can be confused during those time intervals characterized by rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. In order to limit the negative effects associated to the above drawbacks, the P&O MPPT parameters must be customized to the dynamic behavior of the specific converter adopted. A theoretical analysis allowing the optimal choice of such parameters is also carried out. In this paper MATLAB-based M file programming scheme suitable for monitoring the I-V and P-V characteristics of a PV array under a nonuniform insolation due to partial shading condition for different configuration (modules in series parallel) of solar PV. It can also be used for developing and evaluating new maximum power point tracking techniques, especially for shaded conditions. Implementation of a novel MPPT technique has been developed using P&O algorithm has been done using MATLAB-based M file programming scheme without applying shading effect to solar array.

Keywords: Maximum power point (MPP), maximum power point tracking (MPPT), perturb and observe (P&O), photovoltaic (PV)