Maximum power point tracking control techniques: State-of-the-art in photovoltaic applications
Bhatnagar, P. and Nema, R. K.
2013 Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 23, July 2013, Pages 224-241
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT); Photovoltaic (PV) array; DC/DC converter; Power conditioners
Bhatnagar, P. and Nema, R. K., (2013), "Maximum power point tracking control techniques: State-of-the-art in photovoltaic applications", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 23, July 2013, Pages 224-241.
Abstract:
A photovoltaic (PV) array has non-linear I¨CV (current¨Cvoltage) characteristics and its output power varies with solar insolation level and ambient temperature. There exists only one point, called maximum power point (MPP), on the P¨CV (power¨Cvoltage) curve, where power is maximum and this point varies with the changing atmospheric conditions. Moreover, energy conversion efficiency of PV module is very low and mismatch between source and load characteristics causes significant power losses. Consequently, maximization of power output with greater efficiency is extremely important. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is a technique employed to extract maximum power available from the PV module. It traces the PV operating voltage corresponding to the MPP and locks the operating point at MPP and extract maximum power from the array. Till date, many algorithms for MPPT have been reported, each with its own features. In this paper, a comprehensive presentation of working principle of these techniques is made and they are compared against each other in terms of some critical parameters like: number of variables used, complexity, accuracy, speed, hardware implementation, cost, tracking efficiency and so on. This study is aimed at providing a compendium on MPPT techniques for an appropriate selection, based on application requirements and system constraints.
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