Maximum Power Point Tracking Method Application to Increase the Efficiency of Photovoltaic Installations

Abstract

Photovoltaic systems using boost converters based on the traditional incremental conduction method have delayed convergence dynamics to the maximum power point (MPP). This article presents a simulation and hardware implementation of a variable step size MPPT with automatic scaling at low cost and low power consumption. The production of photovoltaic energy is highly dependent on weather and environmental conditions such as temperature and solar radiation. Due to any change in the external environment and the only control condition, the response of the first step of the working cycle of the converter of the traditional incremental conduction MPPT algorithm is not accurate, resulting in an incorrect estimate. Furthermore, this study clarifies the usual technique and presents a modified incremental conductance approach that appropriately responds as solar radiation levels rise. In order to improve the economy and efficiency of photo-voltaic systems, we proposed an improved incremental conduction algorithm for the MPP control strategy. This tech-nique is simpler in structure than the classic incremental conduction algorithm, and it can assign immediate incre-ments of power, voltage, and current as the environment changes, as well as increase tracking performance. The MATLAB/Simulink program runs under conditions of rapidly changing solar radiation levels, and the results of the enhanced and conventional incremental conductance algorithm are compared. The results show that the pro-posed algorithm can effectively detect erroneous judgments and prevent their occurrence. This not only optimizes the system, but also improves the efficiency, response speed, and tracking efficiency of the PV system, thus ensuring the stable operation of the power system.