The many different techniques for maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic (PV) arrays are discussed. The techniques are taken from the literature dating back to the earliest methods. It is shown that at least 19 distinct methods have been introduced in the literature, with many variations on implementation. This paper should serve as a convenient reference for future work in PV power generation.

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Comparison of Photovoltaic Array Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques

Review of the maximum power point tracking algorithms for stand-alone photovoltaic systems

Maximum power point trackers (MPPTs) play an important role in photovoltaic (PV) power systems because they maximize the power output from a PV system for a given set of conditions, and therefore maximize the array efficiency. Thus, an MPPT can minimize the overall system cost. MPPTs find and maintain operation at the maximum power point, using an MPPT algorithm. Many such algorithms have been proposed. However, one particular algorithm, the perturb-and-observe (P&O) method, claimed by many in the literature to be inferior to others, continues to be by far the most widely used method in commercial PV MPPTs. Part of the reason for this is that the published comparisons between methods do not include an experimental comparison between multiple algorithms with all algorithms optimized and a standardized MPPT hardware. This paper provides such a comparison. MPPT algorithm performance is quantified through the MPPT efficiency. In this work, results are obtained for three optimized algorithms, using a microprocessor-controlled MPPT operating from a PV array and also a PV array simulator. It is found that the P&O method, when properly optimized, can have MPPT efficiencies well in excess of 97%, and is highly competitive against other MPPT algorithms. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/pip.459

Comparative study of maximum power point tracking algorithms

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is important in solar power systems because it reduces the solar array cost by decreasing the number of solar panels needed to obtain the desired output power. Several different MPPT methods have been proposed, but there has been no comprehensive experimental comparison between all the different algorithms and their overall maximum power point (MPP) tracking efficiencies under varying conditions (i.e. Illumination, temperature, and load). This paper such a comparison. Results are using a microprocessor controlled MPPT powered by a 250 W photovoltaic (PV) array and also a PV array simulator.

Comparative study of maximum power point tracking algorithms using an experimental, programmable, maximum power point tracking test bed

In recent years there has been a growing attention towards use of solar energy. The main advantages of photovoltaic (PV) systems employed for harnessing solar energy are lack of greenhouse gas emission, low maintenance costs, fewer limitations with regard to site of installation and absence of mechanical noise arising from moving parts. However, PV systems suffer from relatively low conversion efficiency. Therefore, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for the solar array is essential in a PV system. The nonlinear behavior of PV systems as well as variations of the maximum power point with solar irradiance level and temperature complicates the tracking of the maximum power point. A variety of MPPT methods have been proposed and implemented. This review paper introduces a classification scheme for MPPT methods based on three categories: offline, online and hybrid methods. This classification, which can provide a convenient reference for future work in PV power generation, is based on the manner in which the control signal is generated and the PV power system behavior as it approaches steady state conditions. Some of the methods from each class are simulated in Matlab/Simulink environment in order to compare their performance. Furthermore, different MPPT methods are discussed in terms of the dynamic response of the PV system to variations in temperature and irradiance, attainable efficiency, and implementation considerations.

Classification and comparison of maximum power point tracking techniques for photovoltaic system: A review

The present trend for commercial telecommunication and scientific satellites is the utilization of standard platform, characterized by a high level of flexibility and reduced nonrecurring costs. One of the areas where flexibility is mandatory is the electrical primary power subsystem, due to the impact on solar array configuration and dimensions and on power conditioning unit. Use of the maximum power point tracker (MPPT) concept allows optimization of the above mentioned subsystem, maximizing the power transfer from the photovoltaic generator. The purpose of the paper is to present a new MPPT approach that allows minimization of the drawback caused by the intrinsic capacitance of the photovoltaic array (generally neglected) giving the possibility of operation with a large degree of freedom, independent from the converter topology and photovoltaic power generator, electrical network and technology.

F. Ronchi

Papers

New approach to photovoltaic arrays maximum power point tracking