Comparative study of maximum power point tracking algorithms using an experimental, programmable, maximum power point tracking test bed
15 Sep 2000-pp 1699-1702
TL;DR: Results are using a microprocessor controlled MPPT powered by a 250 W photovoltaic (PV) array and also a PV array simulator to compare efficiencies under varying conditions.
Abstract: 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.
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TL;DR: In this article, the perturb and observe (PO) algorithm is used in photovoltaic (PV) systems to maximize the PV array output power by tracking continuously the maximum power point (MPP) which depends on panels temperature and on irradiance conditions.
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 panels 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 (PO moreover, it is well known that the P&O algorithm can be confused during those time intervals characterized by rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. In this paper it is shown that, 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. Results of experimental measurements are in agreement with the predictions of theoretical analysis.
2,696 citations
TL;DR: In this article, power electronics, the technology of efficiently processing electric power, play an essential part in the integration of the dispersed generation units for good efficiency and high performance of the power systems.
Abstract: The global electrical energy consumption is rising and there is a steady increase of the demand on the power capacity, efficient production, distribution and utilization of energy. The traditional power systems are changing globally, a large number of dispersed generation (DG) units, including both renewable and nonrenewable energy sources such as wind turbines, photovoltaic (PV) generators, fuel cells, small hydro, wave generators, and gas/steam powered combined heat and power stations, are being integrated into power systems at the distribution level. Power electronics, the technology of efficiently processing electric power, play an essential part in the integration of the dispersed generation units for good efficiency and high performance of the power systems. This paper reviews the applications of power electronics in the integration of DG units, in particular, wind power, fuel cells and PV generators.
2,296 citations
Cites methods from "Comparative study of maximum power ..."
...The MPP is tracked by means of a MPP Tracker (MPPT) device, based on one of the following schemes: perturb-and-observe, incremental-conductance, parasitic capacitance or constant voltage [29]....
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Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, power electronics, the technology of efficiently processing electric power, play an essential part in the integration of the dispersed generation units for good efficiency and high performance of the power systems.
Abstract: The global electrical energy consumption is rising and there is a steady increase of the demand on the power capacity, efficient production, distribution and utilization of energy. The traditional power systems are changing globally, a large number of dispersed generation (DG) units, including both renewable and nonrenewable energy sources such as wind turbines, photovoltaic (PV) generators, fuel cells, small hydro, wave generators, and gas/steam powered combined heat and power stations, are being integrated into power systems at the distribution level. Power electronics, the technology of efficiently processing electric power, play an essential part in the integration of the dispersed generation units for good efficiency and high performance of the power systems. This paper reviews the applications of power electronics in the integration of DG units, in particular, wind power, fuel cells and PV generators.
2,076 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the progress made in solar power generation research and development since its inception is reviewed, highlighting the current and future issues involved in the generation of quality and reliable solar power technology for future applications.
787 citations
TL;DR: A detailed analysis of the two most well-known hill-climbing maximum power point tracking algorithms: the perturb-and-observe (P&O) and incremental conductance (INC) reveals that there is no difference between the two.
Abstract: This paper presents a detailed analysis of the two most well-known hill-climbing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms: the perturb-and-observe (P&O) and incremental conductance (INC). The purpose of the analysis is to clarify some common misconceptions in the literature regarding these two trackers, therefore helping the selection process for a suitable MPPT for both researchers and industry. The two methods are thoroughly analyzed both from a mathematical and practical implementation point of view. Their mathematical analysis reveals that there is no difference between the two. This has been confirmed by experimental tests according to the EN 50530 standard, resulting in a deviation between their efficiencies of 0.13% in dynamic and as low as 0.02% under static conditions. The results show that despite the common opinion in the literature, the P&O and INC are equivalent.
670 citations
Cites background from "Comparative study of maximum power ..."
...However, this is not related to its credited capability that it can determine when the MPPT has reached the MPP [10], [37]; it is merely a consequence of the discrete differentiation error and can only occur in specific circumstances....
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...] has been proposed to improve the tracking accuracy and dynamic performance under rapidly varying conditions” [7], “The disadvantage of the P&O method can be improved by comparing the instantaneous panel conductance with the incremental panel conductance” [11], “[INC] gives a good performance under rapidly changing conditions” [11], “Incremental conductance can determine that the MPPT has reached the MPP and stop perturbing the operating point,” and “[INC] can track rapidly increasing and decreasing irradiance conditions with higher accuracy than P&O” [10]....
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References
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01 Jan 1995
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed an incremental conductance (IncCond) algorithm to track the maximum power operating point (MPOP) of photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems.
Abstract: As the maximum power operating point (MPOP) of photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems changes with changing atmospheric conditions (e.g. solar radiation and temperature), an important consideration in the design of efficient PV systems is to track the MPOP correctly. Many maximum power tracking (MPT) techniques have been considered in the past but techniques using microprocessors with appropriate MPT algorithms are favoured because of their flexibility and compatibility with different PV arrays. Although the efficiency of these MPT algorithms is usually high, it drops noticeably in cases of rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. The authors have developed a new MPT algorithm based on the fact that the MPOP of a PV generator can be tracked accurately by comparing the incremental and instantaneous conductances of the PV array. The work was carried out by both simulation and experiment, with results showing that the developed incremental conductance (IncCond) algorithm has successfully tracked the MPOP, even in cases of rapidly changing atmospheric conditions, and has higher efficiency than ordinary algorithms in terms of total PV energy transferred to the load.
1,732 citations
TL;DR: A simple method of tracking the maximum power points (MPPs) and forcing the system to operate close to these points is presented, and the principle of energy conservation is used to derive the large- and small-signal model and transfer function.
Abstract: Photovoltaic systems normally use a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique to continuously deliver the highest possible power to the load when variations in the insulation and temperature occur. It overcomes the problem of mismatch between the solar arrays and the given load. A simple method of tracking the maximum power points (MPPs) and forcing the system to operate close to these points is presented. The principle of energy conservation is used to derive the large- and small-signal model and transfer function. By using the proposed model, the drawbacks of the state-space-averaging method can be overcome. The TI320C25 digital signal processor (DSP) was used to implement the proposed MPPT controller, which controls the DC/DC converter in the photovoltaic system. Simulations and experimental results show excellent performance.
746 citations
15 Feb 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple method which combines a discrete time control and a PI compensator is used to track the maximum power points (MPPs) of the solar array, the implementation of the proposed converter system was based on a digital signal processor (DSP).
Abstract: As the power supplied by solar arrays depends upon the insolation, temperature and array voltage, it is necessary to control the operating points to draw the maximum power of the solar array. The object of this paper is to investigate the maximum power tracking algorithms which were often used to compare the tracking efficiencies for the system operating under different controls. A simple method which combines a discrete time control and a PI compensator is used to track the maximum power points (MPPs) of the solar array. The implementation of the proposed converter system was based on a digital signal processor (DSP). The experimental tests were carried out, the tracking efficiencies are confirmed by simulations and experimental results.
319 citations
27 Jun 1999
TL;DR: In this article, a new maximum power point tracker (MPPT) approach is presented 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 photovolastic power generator, electrical network and technology.
Abstract: 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.
151 citations
"Comparative study of maximum power ..." refers methods in this paper
...The parasitic capacitance method is a refinement of the incremental conductance method that takes into account the parasitic capacitances of the solar cells in the PV array [ 4 ]....
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07 Jul 1998
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) for a photovoltaic panel, that is to be integrated with the panel during manufacturing, and the MPPT can source 10 A to a 6-36 V lead-acid storage battery and can be connected in parallel or series with other MPPTs.
Abstract: This paper proposes a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) for a photovoltaic panel, that is to be integrated with the panel during manufacturing. The MPPT is inexpensive, efficient and has few components that serve to increase the MPPT's mean time between failures (MTBF). The MPPT uses an inexpensive microcontroller to perform all of its functions. This includes maximum power point tracking, series battery voltage regulation, sensorless short circuit protection of the MPPT's converter and intelligent shutdown and wakeup at dusk and dawn. The MPPT can source 10 A to a 6-36 V lead-acid storage battery and can be connected in parallel or series with other MPPTs. The MPPT may be easily configured to perform output voltage regulation on passive and water pumping loads. It could also control the actuation of a diesel generator in a hybrid remote area power supply (RAPS). Energy transfer enhancements of up to 26%, compared to solar panels without MPPTs, have been measured, The complete component and materials cost of the MPPT is approximately 2.8% of the cost of photovoltaic panels with a peak power rating of 154 W. The integrated MPPT also consumes no stored energy at night.
67 citations
"Comparative study of maximum power ..." refers background in this paper
...This algorithm makes use of the fact that the MPP voltage changes only slightly with varying irradiances, as depicted in figure 5. The ratio of V~pNoc depends on the solar cell parameters, but a commonly used value is 76% [ 5 ]....
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