Author : Shyam Manohar Gupta and Anmol Ratna Saxena

The solar PV modules exhibit non-linear I-V characteristics and its maximum power point varies throughout the day with varying climatic conditions. The PV modules have low power conversion efficiency and hence maximum power available at any given period of time must be tracked to have full utilization of the PV module capacity. In this paper, dc-dc Boost converter is used to interface PV module with load and to match source and load characteristics to operate PV module at maximum power point. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are used to track the maximum power point under varying climatic conditions. Perturb & observes (P&O) MPPT algorithm is used in this paper for tracking of maximum power point (MPP). The mathematical model of the PV cell is developed and transformed in Matlab Simulink environment for analysis and design. Performance of the algorithm is analyzed for varying solar insolation and loading condition for which simulations are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment and validated through experimental results. Simulation and experimental results are in close correlation with each other.

Keywords: Photovoltaic (PV) array; dc-dc boost converter; Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT); Perturb & Observe (P&O) method.

Article published in International Journal of Current  Engineering  and Technology, Vol.4,No.3 (June- 2014)