Development of maximum power point tracker (MPPT) for solar photovoltaic system (PV) using microcontrollers

• Main Author: Chao, Peng.
• Other Authors: Wang Peng
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Power electronics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/16665
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report mainly does with the design and simulation of a photovoltaic (PV) system, which includes a MATLAB model of PV module, DC-DC boost converter, the maximum power point tracker (MPPT) controller, and some electric circuits. The MATLAB model of PV module is designed with the use of the equivalent electric circuit. When it is tested, it shows a good V-I characteristic and V-P characteristic. Once components such as inductor, capacitor and switch have been selected, MATLAB simulations verify that the DC-DC boost converter with the resistant load is in well-done condition. The heart of the PV system is the MPPT, and various MPPT algorithms are mentioned, especially P&O and IncCond algorithms. The MPPT is used to control the duty-cycle of the IGBT (an important part of the DC-DC boost converter) so that it can make the PV module input the maximum power to the system by tracking the MPP. However, in this design, the MPPT connects directly to the PV module to control the output current and voltage of the PV module. MATLAB simulations perform comparative tests of two popular MPPT algorithms as is stated above using actual irradiance data in January, 2008, in the NTU, Singapore. Under a good sunshine condition, there is almost no difference between P&O and IncCond algorithms. However, the IncCond algorithm gives more narrowly but better performance in terms of efficiency compared to the P&O algorithm under the cloudy weather condition. Simulations also make comparisons with the direct-matched system without MPPT in terms of the output power on the condition that the temperature and irradiance are constant. The result validate that MPPT can significantly increase the output power of PV panel, and at the same time increases the efficiency of energy production from PV.