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Review Different Types of MPPT Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems

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Mohannad Jabbar Mnati Victor Gino Morais Araujo

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 Review Different Types of MPPT Techniques for Photovoltaic
Systems
Mohannad Jabbar Mnati
Department of Electrical Energy, Metals, Mechanical
Constructions and Systems, Ghent University
Department of Electronic Technology, Institute of Technology
Baghdad, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq
Ghent, Belgium
mohannad.mnati@ugent.be , m.j.mnati@gmail.com
Jameel Kadhim Abed
Electrical Technical Engineering College
Middle Technical University,
Baghdad, Iraq
drjameel55@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The maximum power point tracking controller constitutes a
fundamental part in photovoltaic systems and its algorithm
is used to get maximum power available from a PV unit
under different environmental conditions. In this paper,
several techniques are discussed regarding its ability to
detect the maximum power point, system convergence
speed, ease of implementation, efficiency, and cost of
implementation. This paper presents a brief review of the
main MPPT techniques. Furthermore, this work is gathered
from several papers from the last 5 years to present the
current state of the art in MPPT technology as well as be a
guide for those who want to know more about the new
tendencies in this field. General characteristics, advantages,
and disadvantages of each paper approached are discussed.
KEYWORDS
Photovoltaic System (PV), MPPT, DC-DC Converters, Intelligent
MPPT Techniques, Micro-Grid (MG)
1 INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy is an important and valuable tendency in
the global market, as it answers the need for producing
energy without harming the environment. Due to a
combination of factors, the demand for energy generated
from photovoltaic solar cells has been increased. One of
these factors: lower operational and maintenance costs, no
audible noise, no fuel cost, and The generated energy is free
Victor Gino Morais Araujo
Federal Centre of Technological Education of
Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG), Av. Amazonas 7675, Belo
Horizonte, Brazil.
victormorais_bh@hotmail.com
Alex Van den Bossche
Department of Electrical Energy, Metals, Mechanical
Constructions and Systems, Ghent University
Ghent, Belgium
alex.vandenbossche@ugent.be
of pollution [1]. The photovoltaic solar cells for home
applications are also a good energy solution in remote and
developing countries and especially countries that own a
good amount of solar radiation.
PV is indeed not just a good possibility for the future, but
already a profitable and promising solution for present
energy needs. However, the current challenge is to focus not
only on the energy harvested but also on the efficiency of the
overall process, which includes the control of MPPT [2].
The maximum power point tracker is an DC/DC converter
that connected between the PV solar cells (panels) and the
battery or inverter. The MPPT is used to control (increase or
decrease) power output under the required conditions of the
system. Accordingly, many MPPT algorithms have been
studied, optimized and developed [3-5]. This paper presents
a brief review of the main MPPT strategies: general
characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of the
suggested methods are discussed. Furthermore, this work is
gathered from several papers from the last 5 years to present
the current state of the art in MPPT technology as well as be
a guide for those who want to know more about the new
tendencies in this field.
After the introduction, Section 2 starts with a brief
introduction of the most popular and basic MPPT techniques
such as P&O method, IC method, CV and FOCV methods.
Section 3 presents a comparison among several papers from
the last 5 years and discusses the advantages and exactly the MPP. For this reason, alternative solutions have been
disadvantages of each one. This paper finishes with a proposed such as a modified P&O method.
conclusion and future works.

2 BASIC MPPT TECHNIQUES

For each PV system, there is a singular operating point
labelled as MPP in I-V and V-P curves for each temperature
and irradiation condition. The maximum power point (MPP)
changes its position with any change in atmospheric
conditions. Because of that, the tracing system was designed
to keep tracking MPP, and because of that they are a
necessary part of the PV system. The controller changes the
resistance seen by the panel, and hence forces the panel to
operate closer to MPP. The general system as shown in
Figure.1.

Figure 1: Block diagram of PV system Figure 2: Perturbation and observation method

flowchart
2.1 Perturbation and Observation (P&O) Method

Figure 2 is show the P&O algorithm based on increasing or

decreasing the array terminal voltage, or current, at regular
period and then comparing the output power of the PV with
those of the previous sample point [6].
Based on the simple mathematical condition (dP/dV = 0),
Figure3 viewed the process of MPPT system. when the PV
array operates to the left area of the MPP curve, the output
power will be increased due to the increase in voltage and
output power decreases on increasing voltage when the same
operates to the right area of the MPP Curve. Hence if dP/dV
> 0, the system keeps the disturbance, and if dP/dV < 0, the
disturbance should be reversed. The process repeats until the Figure 3: Example of a Perturbation and Observation
operating point is across to the maximum power point. where method technique Block diagram of PV system
P and V are power and voltage at output of PV module
respectively. 2.2 Incremental Conductance (IC) Method
The main advantage of the P&O algorithm is its simplicity. In The method of Incremental Conductance works when the dP/dV =
general, this method shows a good operation provided the solar 0, because the derivative of the power of the PV module is equal to
radiation does not deviate too quickly. The classic perturb and zero at the MPP, the positive results off the left area of the MPP
observe (P&O) method has the disadvantage of poor efficiency at curve and negative results on the right of the MPP curve. Table 1
steady state and low irradiation, the operating point oscillates around show the mathematical relations for Incremental Conductance
the MPP voltage (usually fluctuates lightly) but never reaches technique [7].

2
Table 1. Mathematical properties of Incremental Conductance
𝑉𝑟𝑒𝑓 is the reference voltage of the PV array operation.
𝑑𝑝
=0 At MPP When the MPP is achieved at that moment, 𝑉𝑟𝑒𝑓 must be
𝑑𝑉
𝑑𝑝 equal to Vmpp. When it happens, the system keeps the
>0 Left Area of MPP output voltage at MPP until a change in is occur or the
𝑑𝑉
𝑑𝑝 change in atmospheric conditions. The IC algorithm decided
<0 Right Area of MPP
𝑑𝑉 to decreasing or increasing the 𝑉𝑟𝑒𝑓 to always reach the new
Since: MPP.
𝑑𝑝 𝑑𝐼𝑉 𝛥𝐼 The advantage of this technique is its ability to track more
= ≅𝐼+𝑉 (1)
𝑑𝑉 𝑑𝑉 𝛥𝑉 accurately in extremely variable weather conditions and less
For MPP, oscillating behavior is shown around the MPP compared to
𝑑𝑃
Putting = 0, it gives the Perturbation and Observation technique. The
𝑑𝑉
𝛥𝐼 disadvantage of this algorithm is the complexity of the
𝐼+𝑉 =0 (2) hardware to implement it.
𝛥𝑉
So we have
2.3 Constant Voltage (CV) Method
𝛥𝐼 −1
= At maximum point
𝛥𝑉 𝑉 Considered the constant voltage (CV) algorithm is one of the
𝛥𝐼 −1 simplest algorithm of MPPT algorithms. The operating point of the
> Left of maximum point
𝛥𝑉 𝑉 PV system is fixed close to the maximum power point (MPP) by
𝛥𝐼 −1
< Right of maximum point setting the output voltage of solar to conform to the continuous
𝛥𝑉 𝑉 reference voltage (Vref). The Vref is regulated to the same value of
the voltage at the maximum power point (Vmpp) of the
characteristic PV array. For this technique, the panel variations in
irradiation and temperature are not substantial, and the constant
reference voltage (Vref) is antecedent regulated to achieve
performance closely to the MPP. Because of that, in practice, this
method may never exactly find the MPP. The CV method requires
data collection before to demonstrate a constant voltage reference,
and this may vary from place to place.

2.4 Fractional Open-Circuit Voltage (FOCV)

Method

In the FOCVM, the MPP voltage can be calculated from the

mathematical relationship shown in Equation 3.

𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝 ≈ 𝐾𝑜𝑐 ∙ 𝑉𝑜𝑐 (3)

The constant value Koc usually changes between 0.78 and 0.92, and
can be calculated by analysing the PV system at a broad range of
solar temperatures and radiations. In this method, the PV system is
Figure 4: Incremental Conductance method flowchart open-circuited at load end for a fraction of a second and is measured,
then the voltage calculated using the equation 3. The sample is taken
repeatedly every few seconds and the output value is updated. The
advantage of this method is its simplicity to implement. On the other
According to equation 1 and 2, The flowchart of IC method
hand, the drawback is that the true MPP may be never reached.
is shown in Figure 4. The maximum power point of PV
system can be tracked by comparing the I/V to ∆I/∆V.
where
I/V :Instantaneous conductance
∆I/∆V : Incremental conductance.
3 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS RESULTS
The most common MPPT techniques (P&O, IC, CVM and
FOCV) have been discussed in the last section. However,
currently, there are other intelligent methods such as Fuzzy
Controller, Artificial Neural Network, Ripple Correlation
Controller, MPPT for an Impedance-Source Converter, and
the Hybrid Method that combines the characteristics of the
different algorithms.
This section present a summary of the final results derived
from different comparative analyses of MPPT methods
developed in the last 5 years to provide the current state of
the art in MPPT technology as well as be a guide for those
who want to know more about the new tendencies in this
field.
The basic concepts of MPPT and the basic methods such as
the IC and P&O methods have been analysed and
implemented in [8-11].
In [8], besides the IC and P&O algorithm, the text also
reports on Fractional Open Voltage Method. This paper
provides a clear explanation of the basic MPPT methods, but
it has the disadvantage of being too basic, without any
simulation and comparison between the methods. If a deep
approach is required, go to the following papers.
The concept and analysis about the Intelligent Control
techniques such as Fuzzy Logic and Neural Network can be
found in [9-11].
In [9], the text analyses and compares the behavior of the
Fuzzy Logic command with other techniques (P&O and IC)
and, at the end, presents a the MATLAB simulation
program. In [8], there is also a report on the improved P&O
algorithm. This paper also provides a clear explanation of all
parts of the PV system and has the advantage of presenting
a MATLAB simulation where the Fuzzy controller was
compared to the MPPT controller the perturbation and
observation method and The incremental conductance
method.
In [10], the Hill Climbing Method is discussed, which
operates in a similar way to one of the P&O techniques, the
difference being that the latter directly varies the duty cycle
of the power converter to reach the MPP. This paper also
presents the Ripple Correlation Control and the Sliding
Mode Control that are also intelligent methods of MPPT. An
advantage of this paper is its comparison table, which shows
different aspects of each MPPT technique. A disadvantage
of the same paper is the lack of a simulation, since it just
indicates other works.
In [11], the authors present an analysis and an evaluation of
the performance of the new hybrid intelligent control
algorithms such as the ANFIS (The adaptive neuro Fuzzy
inference system), the Intelligent P&O, Hybrid Genetic
4
Algorithm, the Fuzzy-PID, the Ant Colony Optimization and
the Fuzzy-Neural Network. An advantage of this paper is
that a comparison is given between the MPPT techniques.
In [12], in this paper, a special type of Grid Tie Inverter
(GTI). The GTI that converts DC to AC and feeds it into an
existing electrical grid system, is reported. An advantage of
this paper is that it presents different types of PV inverters
system, such as centralized inverters, string inverters, micro
inverters, multi-string inverters. Furthermore, it presents
several types of MPPT techniques such as Perturb and
Observe (P&O) and Modified P&O, Constant Voltage,
Fixed Duty Cycle, Incremental Conductance (IC) and
Modified IC, Ripple Correlation and System Oscillation
method. The lack of a comparison between all MPPT
techniques and PV inverters is a disadvantage.
In [13], all specifications of the design was discussed such as
component decisions and construction of the solar powered. Based
on that, the design of solar panels, battery charger and a DC-DC
converter with Fuzzy logic control for MPPT system are reported,
modelled and simulated. As an advantage, this paper presents a
simulation of a buck converter circuit in the software MATLAB.
The disadvantage of this paper is that it only approaches a specific
theme and there is a lack of other MPPT techniques and comparisons
between them.
In [14] a new converter topology was presented, this topology
denoted as the impedance source converter. This method is based on
the construct of impedance-source conversion, denoted as a Z-
source inverter (ZSI) that can freely step up or step down the
voltage, and hence is well suited for a single-stage PV system. The
advantage of this paper is that it presents a new concept and new
technology for the field of PV systems.
In [15], the concept of the micro-grid (MG) is presented and
discussed. A Micro-Grid (MG) is a small electric network that is
designed for an integration of distributed generation at a low voltage
level, especially in renewable and low carbon technologies such as
PV systems and wind-turbines. This paper also presents a single and
double stage of a PV system. The paper has the advantage of
presenting a model of the Micro-Grid and its simulations in the
MATLAB environment.
In [16], according of the function of MPPT in terms of centralized
and distributed of MPPT (CMPPT and DMPPT),he grid-tied
systems are classified in this paper. As an advantage, this paper
provides a clear understanding of the grid-tied topology structures
used in PV systems.
A comparison table showing the advantages and disadvantages of
the traditional and intelligent methods is presented in [9][10] and
[17]. Table 2 was summarize the different attributes of each
reviewed techniques and the main characteristics of the MPPT
methods.
 Table 2. The main characteristics of the different MPPT techniques

MPPT Algorithm PV Array Digital or Convergence Implementation Sensors

Dependent Analog Speed Complexity
Perturbation and Observation N B V L Voltage and Current
Incremental Conductance N D V M Voltage and Current
Fractional Open Voltage Y B M L Voltage
Fuzzy Logic Control Y D F H V
Neural Network Y D F H V
Where- Y: Yes, N: NO, B: Both, D: Digital, A: Analog, V: Varies, L: Low, H: High, M:Medium, F: Fast

Most of methods are based on input power measurements; indeed, it ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

is the same when the efficiency of the converter is independent of
the input voltage. This is only approximatively the case. Most of the
methods can be theoretically translated, while using the grid power
instead of the PV power. If we still take the input power as a starting
point we get:
d𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 d𝑃𝑖𝑛 d
= + 𝑃𝑖𝑛 (4)
d𝑉 d𝑉 d𝑉
4 CONCLUSIONS
In this paper, we have presented the most popular techniques for PV
systems to track the MPP were presented. It started with an
introduction to the most basic and common MPPT techniques for
instance Perturbation and Observation, IC, Constant Voltage and
Fractional Open-Circuit Voltage. Afterwards, many other papers
were presented with a brief overview of each one. The advantages
and disadvantages of each paper were related with the aim that this
paper might be a guide for those who want to know more about the
new tendencies in the field of PV systems. All papers presented are
from the last 5 years. The main characteristics were highlighted in a
comparison table, such as analogue or digital circuit required,
dependence of the PV array, convergence speed, implementation
complexity, and types of sensors required of each MPPT method.
Correct implementation and design of MPPT techniques highly
improves the efficiency of the energy conversion process and
prevents energy loss due to variations in environmental conditions.
This paper may be a practical guide not only for MPPT researchers
but also for commercial designers of PV systems.
For future works, the intelligent methods such as Fuzzy, ANN and
the Hybrid techniques can be deeply studied once they represent the
current state of the art in MPPT and PV systems. A remark from the
authors is that often only the input power is maximized, whereas the
useful power is the power fed into the grid. Both views are the same
if the inverter has an efficiency that is independent of voltage.
Mohannad Jabbar Mnati would like to thank the Ministry of
Higher Education and Scientific Research-IRAQ and
Special thanks of Ghent University. Victor Gino Morais
Araujo appreciates the support of the IAESTE programmer
that allowed him to do this work outside his country, Brazil.
This international experience was highly relevant for his life
and career.
REFERENCES
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Photovoltaic System by Artificial Intelligence, Comparative
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ICMIC 2016, pp. 583–591, 2017. bachelor student of electrical
[10]L. Gil-Antonio, M. Belem Saldivar-Marquez, and O. Portillo- engineering at the Federal Centre of
Rodriguez, “Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques in Technological Education of Minas
Photovoltaic Systems: A Brief Review,” 13th Int. Conf. Power
Gerais in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Electron., pp. 317–322, 2016.
[11] Mohamed E. El Telbany, Ayman Youssef and Abdelhalim
Currently, he`s doing an internship
Abdelnaby Zekry, “Intelligent Techniques for MPPT Control in for Ghent University, specifically in
Photovoltaic Systems: A Comprehensive Review,” Int. Artif. Intell. the Electrical Energy Laboratory
Conf., no. MAY, pp. 17–22, 2015. (EELAB), in Ghent, Belgium
[12] S. Narendiran, “Grid Tie Inverter and MPPT-A Review DC / Jameel Kadhim Abed received
AC DC / AC,” pp. 564–567, 2013.
his MSc and PhD degree in power
[13] J. Cruz-Lambert et al., “Converter Design for Solar Powered
Outdoor Mobile Robot,” 2016 World Autom. Congr., pp. 1–6, system, machine and power
2016. electronics from the University of
[14] Sally Sajadian and Reza Ahmadi, “Model Predictive Based Baghdad in 1985 and 2003
Maximum Power Point Tracking for Grid-tied Photovoltaic respectively. He has worked at the
Applications Using a Z-Source Inverter,” IEEE Transactions Power Foundation of Military Production
Electronics, volume 8993, No. c, pp. 1–1, 2016. since 1988 as Head Master of the
[15] M. El Hassane, N. Krami, F. Z. Harmouch, L. Seca, and C. Development and Research
Moreira, “Control Design and Operation of Photovoltaic Systems Department in the field of power electronics (power
in Low Voltage AC MicroGrid,” 2016 17th Int. Conf. Sci. Tech.
supply and inverters). Currently he works in the Middle
Autom. Control Comput. Eng., pp. 569–574, 2016.
[16] O. Khan, M. S. El Moursi, D. Infield, and W. Xiao, “Review Technical University as Head Master of the
of Grid-tied Converter Topologies used in Photovoltaic Systems,” Mechatronics Department and as lecturer in power
IET Renewable, Power Generation, pp. 1–22, 2016. electronics for undergraduate and postgraduate students
[17] V. K. Viswambaran, Arfan Ghani and Erping Zhou, as well as supervisor of master and high diploma
“Modelling and simulation of maximum power point tracking students in the field of high frequency inverter and
algorithms & review of MPPT techniques for PV applications ”, renewable energy. His research is on electrical drives
2016 5th International Conference on Electronic Devices, Systems and power electronics on various inverter types, and he
and Applications (ICEDSA), pp. 4–7, 2016. is interested in renewable energy.
Alex Van den Bossche received
his MSc and PhD degrees in
Mohannad Jabbar Mnati electromechanical engineering from
was born in Baghdad, Iraq, on Ghent University Belgium in 1980
July 21, 1975. He received his and 1990, respectively. He has
BSc in electrical and electronics worked at the university’s Electrical
engineering in 2000 and his MSc Energy Laboratory since 1993. He is
degree in electronic engineering a professor at the same university in
in 2005, both from the Faculty of the same field. His research is in the field of electrical
Electrical and Electronic drives, power electronics on various inverter types and
Engineering, University of passive components, and magnetic materials. He is also
Technology, Baghdad, Iraq. He is working as an interested in renewable energy conversion. He is the
assistant lecturer at the Department of Electronic author of the book entitled Inductors and Transformers
Technologies, Institute of Technology - Baghdad, for Power Electronics. He has started two spin-off
Middle Technical University, Iraq. He is currently companies.
working towards a PhD at Ghent University, Belgium,
in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education
and Scientific Research, Iraq. His research interests are
in electrical drives, power electronics, renewable
energy, IOT and smart control systems.

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