energies

Article
Trusted Simulation Using Proteus Model for a PV
System: Test Case of an Improved HC
MPPT Algorithm
Abdelilah Chalh 1, * , Aboubakr El Hammoumi 1 , Saad Motahhir 2 , Abdelaziz El Ghzizal 1 ,
Umashankar Subramaniam 3 and Aziz Derouich 1
1 Innovative Technologies Laboratory, EST, SMBA University, Fez 30000, Morocco;
aboubakr.elhammoumi@usmba.ac.ma (A.E.H.); abdelaziz.elghzizal@usmba.ac.ma (A.E.G.);
aziz.derouich@usmba.ac.ma (A.D.)
2 Engineering, Systems and Applications Laboratory, ENSA, SMBA University, Fez 30000, Morocco;
saad.motahhir@usmba.ac.ma
3 Renewable Energy Lab, College of Engineering, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 12435, Saudi Arabia;
shankarums@gmail.com
* Correspondence: abdelilah.chalh@usmba.ac.ma




Received: 9 February 2020; Accepted: 10 March 2020; Published: 15 April 2020


Abstract: The real implementation of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers for the
photovoltaic (PV) systems is still a big challenge for researchers working in this field. Often, they use
simulation tools to assess the performance of their MPPT algorithms before actual implementation.
In this context, this paper aims to propose a trusted simulation of a PV system designed under
Proteus software. The proposed PV simulator can be used to verify and evaluate the performance
of MPPT algorithms with a closer approximation to the real implementation. The main advantage
of this model that it contains a real microcontroller, as can be found in reality, so that same code
for the MPPT algorithm used in the simulation will be used in real implementation. In contrast,
when using (Powersim Software) PSIM or Matlab/Simulink, the code of the algorithm must be
rewritten once the real experiment begins, because these tools don’t provide a microcontroller or
an electronic board in which our algorithm can be implemented and tested in the same way as the real
experiment. After this section, a modified Hill-Climbing (HC) algorithm is introduced. The proposed
algorithm can avoid the drift problem posed by conventional HC under a fast variation in insolation.
The simulation results show that this method presents good performance in terms of efficiency
(99.21%) and response time (10 ms), which improved by 1.2% and 70 ms respectively compared to the
conventional HC algorithm.

Keywords: Proteus; MPPT algorithm; PV Simulator; Drift problem

1. Introduction
Today, solar energy currently has taken a large part of the market compared with other sources
of renewable energy [1–3]. This development has pushed many researchers to search for important
solutions to increase the PV energy extracted from the PV panels. Among these solutions, we find
MPPT techniques [4–7]. These techniques are used to control a DC-DC converter to extract the
maximum power from the PV system. The role of the DC-DC converter is to provide impedance
matching between the PV array and load. In addition, many works have investigated the effect of
partial shading conditions (PSC) on the extracted PV energy, always with the aim of improving the PV
system efficiency. As a result, several GMPPT techniques have been proposed in the literature to make
PV systems working at the actual best efficiency under PSC [8–13]. On the other hand, to validate the

Energies 2020, 13, 1943; doi:10.3390/en13081943 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2020, 13, 1943 2 of 12

performance of these techniques, it is necessary to test them before implementation. For this reason,
researchers often use simulation tools such as Matlab-Simulink or PSIM to model PV systems and
then test the performance of their MPPT algorithms [14–16]. However, the main disadvantage of these
tools is that they do not contain microcontrollers or embedded boards (such as Digital Signal Processor
(DSP), Field-Programmable Gate Array FPGA, Arduino, Programmable Interface Controllers (PIC) . . .
) in which the MPPT algorithm can be implemented and tested as it is done in an actual prototype.
Therefore, once we start the actual implementation of the MPPT algorithm for a real PV system,
several problems may occur due to the disparities that can appear between the software development
and the requirements during the development process. Moreover, as all the components used (DC/DC
converter, sensors, actuators and microcontroller) are real, unlike those designed in the simulation tool,
it is difficult to know the component responsible in the event of a bug. That can increase the time spent
in debugging runtime errors. Against, these problems can be avoided by using the Proteus tool as
an alternative for modelization and simulation.
Proteus is an electronic circuit design software that includes diagrammatic capture, PROSPICE
simulation, and printed circuit board (PCB) layout modules. It provides in its libraries embedded
boards such as PIC and Arduino, where we can implement our controller by uploading the hex code to
the microcontroller as it actually happens in reality. In addition, this tool has been developed to contain
components or models that are close to reality, which can give results that are more accurate. Figure 1
shows a comparison between the steps of developing a circuit board in Proteus and in traditional
design tools. From this figure, it can be noticed that when using traditional design tools (such as
Matlab/Simulink or PSIM), the software development and testing system cannot begin until a PCB or
physical prototype is available. Thereafter, if something is wrong with the hardware design, the entire
process must be repeated. However, using Proteus, software development can begin as soon as the
schematic is drawn, and the combination of hardware and software can be thoroughly tested before
physical prototyping. In addition, the same algorithm’s code implemented in the microcontroller on
Proteus will be used in the real experiment. Whereas, using PSIM or Matlab/Simulink, we have to
rewrite the code of the algorithm once we begin the real experiment. For these reasons, researchers
and engineers can really benefit from Proteus to test and evaluate the performances of their MPPT
algorithm before the real implementation. 3 of 12

Figure1.1.Steps
Figure Stepstotodevelop
developa acircuit
circuitboard
boardininProteus
Proteustool:
tool:(a)
(a)compared
comparedto
tothose
thosefor
fordeveloping
developingititin
in
traditional design tools, (b) such as Matlab/Simulink or PSIM.
traditional design tools, (b) such as Matlab/Simulink or PSIM.

However, to the authors’ best knowledge, there is no simulation found in the literature of an entire
2. Materials and Methods.
PV system under Proteus software. While recently, some works have addressed the simulation of
PV
2.1.panel in Proteus
Description as System
of a PV the first attempts in this subject. A single-diode Proteus model of PV module
has been proposed and validated in our previous work [17–20]. Authors in [21] have been proposed
a2.1.1.
two-diode model of
Description of the
PV panel
EntireinPV
Proteus.
SystemAgainst this background, this paper aims to present an entire
Figure 2 shows the schematic diagram of the entire PV system on Proteus. The latter is composed
of a PV panel, a DC-DC converter, an MPPT controller, and a load. The PV panel is connected to the
load via the boost converter. The MPPT controller implemented in the Arduino board uses the
voltage and PV current data to control the boost converter to reach the MPP. The code of this
controller is developed firstly in the Arduino software (IDE), and then its hexadecimal code is
 3 of 12

Energies 2020, 13, 1943 3 of 12

design of a PV system based on Proteus, which can be used as a simulator to test the performances of
MPPT algorithms. This simulator is composed of a PV panel model, DC-DC converter, voltage and
current sensors, graph analysis, a Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) screen, and the Arduino UNO board
in which the MPPT algorithm is implemented. The design aspects of the PV system under Proteus
are extensively described in this paper. Moreover, a modified Hill-Climbing (HC) MPPT algorithm
is proposed in this paper to avoid the drift problem posed by the conventional HC algorithm when
under a fast variation in insolation.
The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. Section 2 presents the PV system design in
Proteus and describes the analysis of the effect of the drift problem under a fast variation in insolation
with Figure
the conventional and improved
1. Steps to develop HC MPPT
a circuit board method.
in Proteus Section
tool: (a) 3 discusses
compared thedeveloping
to those for simulationit results
in
obtained. Finally,
traditional Section
design tools,4(b)
concludes with a summary
such as Matlab/Simulink or and
PSIM. discussion of future works.

2. Materials and
2. Materials and Methods.
Methods

2.1. Description of a PV System

2.1. Description of a PV System
2.1.1. Description of the Entire PV System
2.1.1. Description of the Entire PV System
Figure 2 shows the schematic diagram of the entire PV system on Proteus. The latter is composed
Figure 2 shows the schematic diagram of the entire PV system on Proteus. The latter is composed
of a PV panel, a DC-DC converter, an MPPT controller, and a load. The PV panel is connected to the
of a PV panel, a DC-DC converter, an MPPT controller, and a load. The PV panel is connected to the
load via the boost converter. The MPPT controller implemented in the Arduino board uses the voltage
load via the boost converter. The MPPT controller implemented in the Arduino board uses the
and PV current data to control the boost converter to reach the MPP. The code of this controller is
voltage and PV current data to control the boost converter to reach the MPP. The code of this
developed firstly in the Arduino software (IDE), and then its hexadecimal code is uploaded to the
controller is developed firstly in the Arduino software (IDE), and then its hexadecimal code is
board on Proteus.
uploaded to the board on Proteus.

Figure 2. Schematic
Figure 2. Schematic diagram
diagram of
of the
the entire
entire photovoltaic (PV) system.
photovoltaic (PV) system.

2.1.2. Proteus PV Panel Model

The equivalent circuit for the most used solar cell model consists of a diode and a current source
connected in parallel,
parallel, as
as well
wellas
asaashunt resistor Rsh and a series
shuntresistor resistor Rs , as shown in Figure
series resistor Figure 3.
3.
Based on this circuit diagram, the output
output current
current is
is given
given by
by the
the following
following expression
expression [22]:
[22]:

V + IRs V + IRs
   
I = Iph − Is,0 exp −1 − (1)
aVt Rsh
 4 of 12
4 of 12

Energies 2020, 13, 1943 , exp 1 (1)

4 of 12
, exp 1 (1)
where: : Represents the photocurrent of the solar cell (A); , : Represents the reverse saturation
where: Iph : :Represents
Represents thethe photocurrent
photocurrent of the solar cell (A); Is,0, :: Represents
cell (A); Represents thethe reverse saturation
current of the solar cell (A); : Represents the output cell voltage of the solar cell (V); : Represents
current of the solar cell (A); V: Represents the output cell voltage of the solar cell (V); a: Represents the
current
the ofideality
diode the solarfactor of the :solar
cell (A); Represents
cell; the
: output cell
Represents thevoltage
thermal of voltage
the solarofcell solar :cell.
the(V); Represents
diode ideality factor of the solar cell; Vt : Represents the thermal voltage of the solar cell.
the diode ideality factor of the solar cell; : Represents the thermal voltage of the solar cell.

Figure 3. Equivalent circuit for single diode model of solar cell.

Equivalent circuit
Figure 3. Equivalent circuit for
for single
single diode
diode model
model of solar cell.
In this study, the TDC-M20-36 panel is used, and Table 1 presents its specifications. Figure 4
In this
In
presentsthis study,
thestudy,
Proteusthe
the TDC-M20-36
PV panel modelpanel
TDC-M20-36 with is
panel theused,
is Spiceand
used, and Table
Table
code. 11 presents
In this presents its
its specifications.
latter, the specifications.
parameters Figure
used44
Figure
of the
presents
presents
diode the
theProteus
Proteus
(saturation PV
PVpanel
current, panelmodel
number of with
model the
with
cells, Spice
the
ideality code.
Spice In
code.
factor, this
and latter,
Inbandgap
this the
latter,parameters
the parameters
energy) of theto
according used
of diode
theTDC-
the used
(saturation
M20-36 current,
diode (saturation number of
current, number
panel’s specification, cells,
mustof ideality
becells, factor, and
ideality Note
introduced. bandgap
factor,that energy)
andpresented
bandgap the according
energy) to the
according
PV panel TDC-M20-36
modeltoisthe TDC-
already
panel’s
M20-36 specification,
panel’s must be
specification, introduced.
must be Note
introduced. that presented
Note that the PV
presented
validated through simulation/ experimental results in our previous paper [17]. panel
the model
PV is
panel already
model validated
is already
through simulation/
validated experimental
through simulation/ results in our
experimental previous
results in ourpaper
previous[17].paper [17].
Table 1. Characteristics of the used PV model at Standard Test Conditions (STC).
Table 1.
Table Characteristics of
1. Characteristics of the
the used
used PV
PV model
model at
at Standard
Standard Test
Test Conditions
Conditions (STC).
(STC).
TDC-M20-36
TDC-M20-36
TDC-M20-36
Pmax of PV panel 20 W
Pmax of PVPmaxpanelof PV panel 20 W20 W
Vmpp
Vmpp at Pmax of at
PVPmax
panel of PV panel 18.76 V V
18.76
Impp at PmaxVmpp
Impp ofat atPV
Pmax
thePmax of of
panelthePV
PVpanel
panel 18.76 AV A
1.071.07
Current Isc at Short-circuit
Impp
Current atIsc
Pmax (SC)
of the PV panel
at Short-circuit (SC) 1.071.17
1.17 AA A
Voltage VocCurrent
at Open-circuit
Isc at (OC)
at Open-circuit
Short-circuit (SC) 22.70
1.17 A V
Voltage Voc
Temperature coefficient Kv at OC
(OC) 22.70 V
−0.35%/◦ C
Voltage
Temperature
Temperature
Voc at Open-circuit
coefficient coefficient
Ki at SC Kv at(OC) 22.70
OC –0.35%/°CV
−0.043%/◦ C
Temperature
of cells coefficient
Temperature
Number coefficient Kv at SC
Ki at OC –0.043%/°C
–0.35%/°C
36
Temperature coefficient
Number of cells Ki at SC –0.043%/°C
36
Number of cells 36

Figure 4.
Figure Theequivalent
4. The equivalentcircuit
circuit of
of panel
panel model
model under
under Proteus.
Proteus.
Figure 4. The equivalent circuit of panel model under Proteus.
2.1.3. DC-DC
2.1.3. DC-DCBoost
BoostConverter
Converter
2.1.3.The
DC-DC Boostconverter
DC-DC Converter a principle element of the PV systems with an MPPT controller,
The DC-DC converter is is
a principle element of the PV systems with an MPPT controller, which
which
providesprovides
The DC-DC impedance
impedanceconverter ismatching
matching a betweenbetween
principle element
the the
of PV
PV array the
andarray
PV and
systems
load. load.
FigurewithFigure 5 the
an MPPT
5 presents presents
circuitthe
controller, circuit
which
diagram
diagram of the used DC-DC converter. Table 2 presents its principal parameters, which are
provides impedance matching between the PV array and load. Figure 5 presents the circuit diagramthe inductor
 5 of 12
Energies 2020, 13, 1943 5 of 12

of the used DC-DC converter. Table 2 presents its principal parameters, which are the inductor (L),
input
(L), capacitor
input (Cin),
capacitor output
(Cin), outputcapacitor (Cout),
capacitor (Cout),and
andthetheswitching
switching frequency
frequency (fs).
(fs). In addition,
In addition,
Equations (2) and (3) define the relationship between its inputs and outputs.
Equations (2) and (3) define the relationship between its inputs and outputs.

V (2)
V0 = 1 α (2)
1−α
1 (3)
I0 = I (1 − α) (3)
Req =η(1-α)2 Rload (4)
Req = η(1 − α)2 Rload (4)
where: : Represent the output current of the Boost converter (A); : Represent the output current
where: I0 : Represent the output current of the Boost converter (A); I: Represent the output current
of the PV model (A); : Represent the output voltage of the boost converter (V); : Represent the
of the PV model (A); V0 : Represent the output voltage of the boost converter (V); V: Represent the
output voltage of the PV model (V); : The equivalent resistance as seen by the PV module (Ω);
output voltage of the PV model (V); Req : The equivalent resistance as seen by the PV module (Ω); Rload :
: The load resistance of the PV system (Ω);efficiency
The load resistance of the PV system (Ω); η: The : The efficiency of the
of the boost boost converter
converter (%); α: The(%); : The
duty cycle.
duty cycle.

Figure5.5. Circuit
Figure Circuit diagram ofthe
diagram of theDC-DC
DC-DCboost
boost converter.
converter.

Table 2. The values used of the parameters of the DC-DC boost converter in our work.
Table 2. The values used of the parameters of the DC-DC boost converter in our work.
Parameters Value
Parameters Value
L 20 mH
Cin L 20 mH 220 µF
Cout Cin 220 µF 470 µF
fs Cout 470 µF 1 kHz
fs 1 kHz
2.1.4. MPPT algorithm
2.1.4. MPPT algorithm
The MPPT technique is a controller that varies the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter in order
to extract the maximum
The MPPT techniquepower from PV that
is a controller panels. In this
varies paper,
the duty a classical
cycle algorithm
of the DC-DC namedin
converter the HC
order
algorithm is used
to extract the to make
maximum the MPPT
power from PV control
panels. of In
thethis
PV paper,
system. But, as reported
a classical algorithminnamed
the literature,
the HC
this algorithm
algorithm suffers
is used fromthe
to make drift
MPPTproblem
control when
of thethePVfast variation
system. But, in insolationin[23,24].
as reported Therefore,
the literature, this
aalgorithm
modified suffers
HC algorithm is proposed
from drift problemtowhen
solve this
the problem.
fast variation in insolation [23,24]. Therefore, a
Conventional HC MPPTisalgorithm
modified HC algorithm proposed to solve this problem.
The conventional
Conventional HC MPPT HCalgorithm
algorithm is based on the variation of PV power (dP) and PV voltage (dV) by
considering the P-V characteristics
The conventional HC algorithm curve. However,
is based on thethis MPPTofalgorithm
variation PV power suffers fromPV
(dP) and drift problems
voltage (dV)
that occur with the
by considering thefast
P-Vvariation in insolation
characteristics curve.(rapid increase
However, in MPPT
this insolation). Figuresuffers
algorithm 6 presents
from thedrift
PV
curves
problems that occur with the fast variation in insolation (rapid increase in insolation). Figurein6
under a rapid increase in insolation. From this figure, it can be noted that when an increase
insolation
presents theat point 3, the operating
PV curves under a rapid pointincrease
is set to ainnew point 4 (dP
insolation. From = P4
this(kTa) – P3it(kTa)
figure, can be> 0noted
and dV =
that
V4
when(kTa) V3 (kTa)in> insolation
an–increase 0). Moreover, as shown
at point 3, theinoperating
the flowchart
pointofisthe
setconventional
to a new point HC4 MPPT
(dP = P4 algorithm
(kTa) –
presented
P3 (kTa) >in0Figure
and dV 7, the
= V4duty cycle
(kTa) decreases
– V3 (kTa) >with 0). increasing
Moreover, insolation,
as shown which
in the involves
flowchartmovingof the
point 4 to point
conventional HC5 MPPT
of the maximum power point
algorithm presented (MPP ) 7,
in Figure inthe
theduty
new cycle
curve,decreases
called thewith
driftincreasing
problem.
Similarly,
insolation,thing
which occurs for an
involves increase
moving of insolation
point 4 to point 5onofother points. So,power
the maximum A drift problem
point (MPPoccurs
) in thewhen
new
there
curve,iscalled
a rapid change
the in insolation
drift problem. due to thing
Similarly, cloudyoccurs
days. for
Thisanproblem
increaseisofdue to the incorrect
insolation on otherdecision
points.
of
So,the
A conventional
drift problemHC MPPTwhen
occurs algorithm
there when > 0. in insolation due to cloudy days. This
dP/dPchange
is a rapid
problem is due to the incorrect decision of the conventional HC MPPT algorithm when dP/dP > 0.
Energies 2020, 13, 1943 66 of
of 12
12
6 of 12

Figure 6. The P-V curves of the PV module under a rapid increase in insolation.
Figure 6. The P-V curves of the PV module under a rapid increase in insolation.
Figure 6. The P-V curves of the PV module under a rapid increase in insolation.

Figure 7. The flowchart of the conventional HC MPPT algorithm.

Figure 7. The flowchart of the conventional HC MPPT algorithm.
Figure 7. The flowchart of the conventional HC MPPT algorithm.
Improved HC MPPT algorithm
Improved HC MPPTthe
After detecting algorithm
loop in which the conventional HC algorithm makes a bad decision, a simple
Improved
After HC MPPTthe
detecting algorithm
loop in which the conventional HC algorithm makes a bad decision, a simple
solution is proposed to overcome the obvious problem posed by HC algorithm.
Afterisdetecting
solution proposed the
to loop in which
overcome the the conventional
obvious problem HC
posed algorithm
by HC makes a bad decision, a simple
algorithm.
The relationship between the PV current and voltage can be written as follows:
solution
Theisrelationship
proposed tobetweenovercome thethePVobvious
current and problem
voltage posed canby beHC algorithm.
written as follows:
The relationship between the PV current and voltage V can be written as follows:
I= V (5)
I = RVeq (5)
I = eq R
(5)
With the value of the equivalent resistance is defined R eq by Equation (4).
With the value of the equivalent resistance is defined by Equation (4).
This
With relationship
the value of the can also be expressed based on the single-diode model of the PV module
This relationship can equivalent
also be expressedresistance is defined
based on theby Equation (4).
single-diode model of the PV module as
as follows:
This relationship can also be expressedq(based
follows: V + IRon s)
the single-diode
(V + IRs ) model of the PV module as
follows: I = Iph − I 0 ( exp ( ) − 1 ) − (6)
q∂KTN
( V + sI R s ) ( V R+shI R s )
I = I ph - I 0 (e x p ( ) -1 ) - (6)
q (∂VK+T N I Rs s ) ( V +R sIhR s )
By substituting Equation I =(5)I into Equation
ph - I 0 (e x p (
(6), and by) considering
-1 ) - Taylor’s series expansion up to
(6)
∂K TN s R sh
first order, Equation (7)
By substituting can be (5)
Equation expressed as follows:
into Equation (6), and by considering Taylor’s series expansion up
By substituting
to first order, Equation Equation (5) into Equation (6), and by considering Taylor’s series expansion up
V (7) can be expressed I0 as follows: Rs V Rs V
to first order, Equation (7) can = Ibeph −expressed (qVas + follows: 2 V ) − − (7)
2
η(1 − α)V Rload ∂KTN I0 s η(1 −Rαs ) R R 2
Vsh R ssh η(1 − Vα) Rload
= I ph - (q V + V)- - (7)
η ( 1 - αV) 2 R lo a d ∂ KIT0 N s η ( 1R-s α ) 2 RV R η ( 1 - αV) 2 R l o a d
2
= I ph - (q V + 2
V ) - s h - ssh 2 (7)
η(1 - α) R lo a d ∂K TN s η(1 - α) sh shR R η(1 - α) R
lo a d

By simplifying Equation (7), the V can be expressed in terms of for an insolation G and the
slope ofsimplifying
By the load lineEquation (7), the V can be expressed in terms of
as follows: for an insolation G and the
slope of the load line as follows:
Energies 2020, 13, 1943 7 of 12
7 of 12

I p h / G in terms of Iph for an insolation G and the

By simplifying Equation (7), the V can be expressed
V /G =
slope of the load line as follows:
1  Rs  I0  Rs  1 (8)
1+ +  q + η R ( 1 - α )2  + R
η R lo a d ( 1 - α ) 2  R sh  aK TN s   sh
Iph /G
By substituting (8)V/ G =
into (5) yields   (8)
I0
 
1 Rs Rs 1
1+ Rsh + aKTNs q + ηR(1−α)2 + Rsh
ηRload (1−α)2 I ph / G
1
I /G =
η R a d (1 − α ) 2 1  Rs  I0  Rs  1 (9)
By substituting (8)lo into (5) yields 1 + + q+ +
η R lo a d (1 − α ) 2  R sh  a K T N s  η R (1 − α ) 2  R s h

At an insolation of G, 1 can be expressed in terms ofIph /G as follows:

I/G = ,  (9)
2

ηRload (1 − α) I0
 
1
2 1+ R
Rs
+ aKTNs Gq + Rs 2 + 1
I ph (I) sc , n + shK 1 Δ T
/ηRGload=(1−α ) ηR(1−α) Rsh
(10)
Gn
At an insolation of G, Iph can be expressed in terms of Isc,n as follows:
With , is the short-circuit current at nominal conditions, is the short circuit
current/temperature coefficient, andI / ∆ = (I + K( ∆Tand G are the present and nominal
ph G sc,n 1 ) (10)
G
temperatures respectively). From Equations (8) and (9), we get the Equation (10). In addition,
n
Equations
With (11)
I andis (12)
the can be obtainedcurrent
short-circuit to deriveatthenominal
expressions V and I according
conditions, K is the to insolation.
short circuit
sc,n 1
current/temperature coefficient, and(∆T I s c ,n=+ TK−1 ΔTnT (T
1
) Gand G dT
+ TKn 1are the present and nominal temperatures
d V
respectively). From G dG
= Equations (8) and (9), we get then Equationn (10). In addition, Equations > 0 (11)(11)
and
dG 1  Rs  I0  Rs  1
(12) can be obtained to derive the2 expressions
 1 +  + V and I according
 q + to insolation.
2 
+
η R lo a d ( 1 - α )  R sh  aK TN s  η R lo a d ( 1 - α )  R sh

(Isc,n + K1 ∆T ) G1n + K11 GGn dG

dT
G dT
dI
dV
=
1
(
I + K ΔT
sc,n
 G +K1
G dG
)
 >01 (11)
= dG I0 n Rs n >0
 
1 Rs 1
dG η R load (1 − ηR
α )load (1−α) 1
2 2 1 + 
Rsh + RaKTN
q + +
 s I 0 ηRload (1−α) R s Rsh 
2 1
(12)
 1 + s
 +  q +  +
ηR load ( 1 - α) 2  R sh  aK TN s  ηR load ( 1 - α) 2  R sh
dI 1 (Isc,n + K1 ∆T ) G1n + K1 GGn dG
dT
=
The conditions 0 and 0 are validated  inI the case of a fast increase > 0in insolation.
(12)
dG ηRload (1 − α)2 1
1 + Rs
+ 0
q + Rs
+ 1
Because in equations (11) and (12)ηRthe numeratorRshand the
load (1−α)
2 aKTNdenominator
s are
ηRload (1−α ) positive
2 Rsh values. Hence,
from the I-V characteristics curve of the PV module, which are shown in Figure 8, it can be noticed
The conditions dV > 0 and dGdI
> 0 are validated in the case of a fast increase in insolation.
that 0 and dG0 in the case of a fast increase in insolation. Therefore, to avoid the drift
Because in equations (11) and (12) the numerator and the denominator are positive values. Hence,
problem, we rely on the information of and to make a good decision.
from the I-V characteristics curve of the PV module, which are shown in Figure 8, it can be noticed
As shown in Figure 8, for two irradiation difference values, the and indicators are
that dV > 0 and dI > 0 in the case of a fast increase in insolation. Therefore, to avoid the drift problem,
always positive when we have a fast increase in insolation. Therefore, to resolve the drift problem,
we rely on the information of dV and dI to make a good decision.
the modified HC MPPT algorithm take a decision present in the Flowchart, as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 8.
Figure The I-V
8. The I-Vcurves
curves for
for analysis
analysis of
of the
the drift
drift problem
problem in
in case
case of
of aa rapid
rapid increase
increase in
in insolation
insolation with
with
the observation
the observation of
of change
change inin current
current (dI).
(dI).

As shown in Figure 8, for two irradiation difference values, the dV and dI indicators are always
positive when we have a fast increase in insolation. Therefore, to resolve the drift problem, the modified
HC MPPT algorithm take a decision present in the Flowchart, as shown in Figure 9.
Energies 2020, 13, 1943 8 of 12
8 of 12

Figure 9. The flowchart of the modified HC MPPT algorithm.

Figure 9. The flowchart of the modified HC MPPT algorithm.
2.2. PV System Design in Proteus Software
2.2. PV System Design in Proteus Software
Figure 10 presents the PV system design, made in Proteus. As shown, this PV system can be
Figure
divided into10 presents
eight blocksthe PV system design, made in Proteus. As shown, this PV system can be
as follows:
divided into eight blocks as follows:
• Block (1): presents the subcircuit of the PV panel model.
• Block (2): presents the boost converter.
• Block (3): presents the embedded board (Arduino Uno).
• Block (4): presents the LCD screen, which is used to display the values of PV voltage, current
and power.
• Block (5): presents the driver (TC4420), which is used to control the metal–oxide–semiconductor
field-effect transistor (MOSFET) transistor of the Boost converter.
• Block (6): presents the current sensor (INA169) used for measuring the PV current.
The modelization of this sensor is based on the INA168, which is available in the Proteus
Tool. In order to model this sensor, you will need to follow the next steps:

X Launch the Proteus tool application.

X Open the Pick Devices.
X Select the INA168 component.
X Add two resistances R5 (0.1 Ω) and R6 (50 KΩ). Where Rs is a shunt resistor placed in
series between the output of the PV module and the Boost converter, and RL is a load
resistor connected between the Pin 1 of the INA168 and the ground.
X Set the power-supply voltage to 6 V in order to adapt it with that of INA169.
Figure 10. Schematic of PV system design in Proteus software.
Then, the PV panel output current can be defined by the Equation (13) [25].
• Block (1): presents the subcircuit of the PV panel model.
• Block (2): presents the boost converter. V 1KΩ
(IS = out1 ) (13)
R5 R6
• Block (3): presents the embedded board (Arduino Uno).
• •Block
Block
(7):(4): presents
presents themodule
the LCD screen,
of thewhich is used
voltage to display
sensor the values
(B25 Voltage of PV
Sensor voltage,used
Module) current
for
measuring the PV voltage [26]. It is basically a voltage divider using two series resistances. The PV
and power.
• Block (5):voltage
panel output is defined
presents by Equation
the driver (14):which is used to control the metal–oxide–
(TC4420),
semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET)
R3 transistor of the Boost converter.
(Vout2 = Vin ) (14)
R3 + R4
Energies 2020, 13, 1943 9 of 12
Figure 9. The flowchart of the modified HC MPPT algorithm.

where
2.2. PV (R3 Design
System = 25KΩin)Proteus
and (R4Software
= 100KΩ)
• Block (8): presents the graph analysis, it is used to display the simulation results.
Figure 10 presents the PV system design, made in Proteus. As shown, this PV system can be
divided into eight blocks as follows:

Figure10.
Figure 10.Schematic of PV
Schematic of PV system
system design
design in
in Proteus software.
Proteus software.

• Block
3. Results and(1):
Discussion
presents the subcircuit of the PV panel model.
•In order
Blockto
(2): presentsthe
examine theeffectiveness
boost converter.
of the conventional and modified HC MPPT algorithms
• Block
to solve the drift
(3):problem, a test
presents the case of aboard
embedded fast variation insolation from 500 W/m2 to 750 W/m2
(ArduinoinUno).
and •fromBlock
750 W/m 2 to 1000the
W/m was performed. The corresponding results are
(4): presents LCD screen, which is used to display the values ofshown in Figure
PV voltage, 11.
current
From this figure, it can be seen that the conventional HC algorithm cannot avoid the drift problem
and power.
when the insolation is increased, while the modified HC algorithm tracks the MPP without the drift
• Block
problem. (5): presents
In addition, the driver
Table 3 presents (TC4420), between
a comparison which isconventional
used to control the metal–oxide–
and modified HC MPPT
under different uniform irradiance. The test case of a fast variation in insolation from 500 W/m2 to
semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) transistor of the Boost converter.
750 W/m2 presents regarding efficiency (99.15%) and response time (10 ms). Further, the test case from
750 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2 in insolation presents regarding efficiency (99.21%) and response time (10 ms).
In these two test cases, the efficiency and response time are improved by 1.2% and 70 ms respectively
as compared to conventional HC. Therefore, the modified HC algorithm can improve the efficiency
of the PV system by gaining additional power when drift occur, compared to the conventional HC
algorithm. Hence, the present method allows obtaining a significant energy gain throughout the life
cycle of the PV panel.
Energies 2020, 13, 1943 10 of 12
10 of 12

Figure 11. Output power with conventional and modified HC MPPT algorithm under a fast variation
Figure 11. Output power with conventional and modified HC MPPT algorithm under a fast variation
in insolation.
in insolation.

Table3.3.Comparison
Table Comparisonbetween conventional
between and modified
conventional HC MPPT
and modified HCunder different
MPPT under uniform irradiance.
different uniform
irradiance.
G = 500 W/m2 G = 750 W/m2 G = 1000 W/m2
MPPT Algorithms
G = 500 W/mResponse
2 G = 750 W/m 2
Response G = 1000 W/m 2
Response
Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency
MPPT Time Time Time
Response Response Response
AlgorithmsHC Efficiency
Conventional 98.39% 10 ms Efficiency
98.55% 80 ms Efficiency
98.85% 80 ms
Time Time Time
Modified HC 99.11% 5 ms 99.15% 10 ms 99.21% 10 ms
Conventional
98.39% 10 ms 98.55% 80 ms 98.85% 80 ms
HC
4. Conclusions
Modified HC 99.11% 5 ms 99.15% 10 ms 99.21% 10 ms
In this paper, a simple PV system developed under Proteus software is proposed. This system
can be used as a simulator to test the performances of MPPT algorithms before real implementation.
4. Conclusions
The present simulator is composed of a PV panel model, DC-DC converter, voltage and current sensors,
graphInanalysis,
this paper, LCD screen,PV
a simple and an Arduino
system UNOunder
developed board. It is demonstrated
Proteus in this work
software is proposed. Thisthat the
system
choice of theasProteus
can be used software
a simulator tothe
to test testperformances
MPPT algorithmsof MPPT improves the PV
algorithms system
before realization time.
real implementation.
Because the same
The present C MPPT
simulator code usedofinathe
is composed PVsimulation
panel model, will DC-DC
be used converter,
for the realvoltage
physicaland
prototype.
current
Further,
sensors, the
graphsimulation
analysis,results of the conventional
LCD screen, and an Arduino and UNO
Modified HCItMPPT
board. algorithms in
is demonstrated under
this awork
fast
variation in insolation
that the choice shownsoftware
of the Proteus that the tomodified
test MPPT method can avoid
algorithms the drift
improves problem.
the PV system As well as
realization
addition, the efficiency
time. Because the same andC response
MPPT code timeused
are improved by 1.2% and
in the simulation will70bemsused
respectively as compared
for the real physical
to conventional
prototype. HC. the simulation results of the conventional and Modified HC MPPT algorithms
Further,
underAsaafast
perspective,
variationfuture studies shown
in insolation will be that
focused
the on the following
modified method twocanaspects: (i) Design
avoid the of a simple
drift problem. As
method to find the
well as addition, GMPP
the under
efficiency PSC
and with simple
response instructions;
time are improvedAnd (ii) the
by 1.2% andimplementation
70 ms respectivelyof this
as
method
compared using the proposedHC.
to conventional PV Simulator.
As a perspective, future studies will be focused on the following two aspects: (i) Design of a
Author Contributions: A.C., S.M. and A.E.G. performed the study of a simple PV simulator. In addition, A.C.
simple method
performed to find examination.
the simulation the GMPP under A.E.H.,PSC
U.S.with simple
and A.D. instructions;
revised And All
the manuscript. (ii) authors
the implementation
have read and
of this method using the proposed PV Simulator.
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This work wasA.C.,
Author Contributions: supported by the
S.M. and College
A.E.G. of Engineering,
performed Prince
the study of a Sultan
simpleUniversity, Riyadh,
PV simulator. Saudi Arabia.
In addition, A.C.
Acknowledgments: The authors like to express their sincere gratitude to the Renewable Energy research and
performed the simulation examination. A.E.H., U.S. and A.D. revised the manuscript. All authors read lab,
approved
College of the final manuscript.
Engineering, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for providing technical support.
Funding: of
Conflicts The authorsThe
Interest: declare thatdeclare
authors they have
thatno funding
they forcompeting
have no the research.
interests.

Acknowledgments: The authors like to express their sincere gratitude to the Renewable Energy research lab,
College of Engineering, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for providing technical support.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Abbreviations
Energies 2020, 13, 1943 11 of 12

Abbreviations
PV photovoltaic
CAs conventional algorithms
MPPT maximum power point tracking
HC Hill-Climbing
GMPP global maximum power point
PCB printed circuit board

Nomenclatures
a The diode ideality factor of the solar cell
Iph The photocurrent of the solar cell [A]
I0 The output current of the Boost converter [A]
Impp The current at MPP [A]
G The solar irradiance level [W/m2]
Gn The solar irradiance nominal [W/m2]
K The constant of Boltzmann [J. K-1]
Ns The number of cells connected in series
Rload The load resistance [Ω]
Req The equivalent input resistance of the converter Boost [Ω]
Rs The series resistance of the solar cell [Ω]
Rsh The shunt resistance of the solar cell [Ω]
T The junction temperature [K]
Tn The nominal temperatures [K]
V The PV panel output voltage [V]
Vmpp The voltage at MPP [V]
V0 The Boost output voltage [V]
η The efficiency of the DC-DC converter Boost [%]
α The duty cycle.

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