Implement maximum power point tracking algorithms for

photovoltaic systems using MATLAB and Simulink

Theory :
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is an algorithm implemented in photovoltaic (PV) inverters
to continuously adjust the impedance seen by the solar array to keep the PV system operating at, or
close to, the peak power point of the PV panel under varying conditions, like changing solar
irradiance, temperature, and load. Engineers developing solar inverters implement MPPT algorithms
to maximize the power generated by PV systems. The algorithms control the voltage to ensure that
the system operates at “maximum power point” (or peak voltage) on the power voltage curve, as
shown in fig.1 below. MPPT algorithms are typically used in the controller designs for PV systems.
The algorithms account for factors such as variable irradiance (sunlight) and temperature to ensure
that the PV system generates maximum power at all times.

Power voltage curve with I-V and P-V characteristics of a photovoltaic system.

Fig 1

The three most common MPPT algorithms are:

1.Perturbation and observation (P&O):

 This algorithm perturbs the operating voltage to ensure maximum power. While there are
several advanced and more optimized variants of this algorithm, a basic P&O MPPT
algorithm is shown below.

1) Incremental conductance:

This algorithm, shown below, compares the incremental conductance to the instantaneous
conductance in a PV system. Depending on the result, it increases or decreases the voltage until the
maximum power point (MPP) is reached. Unlike with the P&O algorithm, the voltage remains
constant once MPP is reached
 3) Fractional open-circuit voltage:

This algorithm is based on the principle that the maximum power point voltage is always a constant
fraction of the open circuit voltage. The open circuit voltage of the cells in the photovoltaic array
ismeasured and used as in input to the controller.

Procedure
• Determine how the panels should be arranged in terms of the number of series-connected
strings and the number of panels per string to achieve the required power rating.
• Implement the MPPT algorithm using boost converter.
• Operate the solar PV system in the voltage control mode.
• Select a suitable proportional gain and phase-lead time constant for the PI
controller, .
 • Simulation of MPPT using boost Converter with P and O method
Simulation circuit:

Fig.1: simulation circuit

Specification:
PV Array:

PV Plant Parameters for the Specified Solar Panel

• Power rating input from the user = 2.00 kW
• Minimum number of panel required per string = 8
• Maximum number of panel connected per string without reaching maximum voltage = 10
• Minimum power rating of the solar PV plant = 1.80 kW
• Maximum power possible per string without reaching maximum DC voltage = 2.25 kW
• Actual number of panel per string = 9
• Number of strings connected in parallel = 1
• Actual solar PV plant power = 2.03 kW
Matlab Program :
function Vref = RefGen(V, I)

Vrefmax= 90;
Vrefmin = 0;
Vrefinit = 100;
deltaVref = 1;
persistent Vold Pold Vrefold ;

dataType = 'double';

if isempty(Vold)
Vold = 0;
Pold = 0;
Vrefold = Vrefinit;

P = V*I;
dV = V-Vold;
dP = P-Pold;

if dP ~= 0
if dP<0
if dV<0
Vref = Vrefold + deltaVref;
else
Vref = Vrefold - deltaVref;
end
else
if dV<0
Vref = Vrefold - deltaVref;
else
Vref = Vrefold + deltaVref;
end
end
else Vref = Vrefold;
end

if Vref >= Vrefmax | Vref <= Vrefmin

Vref = Vrefold;
end

Vrefold = Vref;
 Vold = V;
Pold = P;
End

Simulation Waveforms :

Fig.3: waveforms of V, I and P

Conclusion :
Mainly perturb and observation MPPT algorithm is used to obtain the maximum power point of solar
array. Boost converter is used to obtain this maximum power point which helps in step up the array
voltage to the maximum operating point voltage. So by using MPPT algorithm and boost converter
solar array is operated at maximum power point irrespective of solar irradiance.