IECON'O1: The 27th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society

A Proposal of Efficiency Improvement with Solar Power Generation System

Tetsumi Harakawa

Takahiro Tujhoto

Maebashi Institute of Technology

460.1 Kamisadori Maebashi-city, Gunma

Graduate School of Engineering, Shizuoka University

3-5- 1 ,Johoku,Hamamatsy Shizuoka

JAPAN 37 1-0816
harakawa@maebashi-it.ac.j p

fV130244@jm.shiac.jp

Abstrad This paper deals with energy conversion efilciency

improvement of solar power application systems. In order to
extensively use solar power generation system in all aspects of
life style, including moving vehicles, effiency tracking control
systems are necessary for solar power condition change. In this
paper, we have proposed two kinds of efficiency tracking
system, one is the feedfonvard type which sets new condition
point according to the change of energy,(this is called
QF1-method) the other is the robust efficiency tracking system
useful for parameter change in solar panel, which consists of
QF1 and feedback learning system like peak climbing method
(it is called QF2 method). Finally, experimental results have
shown the effectiveness of our proposal.

1.

Introduction

At the beginning of 21'' century, depletion of energy

resources and earth environmental problems, which has been
caused with carbon dioxide discharge, becomes global
warming in [l] . In order to solve these problems, it is
thought that extensive use of new energy (natural energy) is
much available. It have been regarded that energy density of
solar energy and possibility of use should be the most
feasible in natural energy in [ l ] As an example of
applications, solar power generation system which directly
converts solar energy into electric energy have been
attempted to install on various fixed portion such as the land
of a vacant space, roof of the building, and wall of school
and public space, clock tower of park and monument; and
indication signal along the side of highway, etc.
In order to extend solar power applications, in addition,
application of electrical vehicles (such as solar car and solar
boat, etc.), which is also much concerned with
environmental problems,may be future key technology.
In solar cell, high conversion efficiency always must be
kept in all the activity condition. But maximum point of its
efficiency change along the input solar power and
temperature of solar cell. Maximum power point tracker
function has been reported as the function to keep maximum power
point even those change (it is called peak climbing method) in [2].
This function is consisted as follows, this changes slightly
operating voltage of power circuits in a short time interval,
then it calculates solar power change by comparison, and
then always shift operating voltage to keep maximum
efficiency along the direction of lift-up of solar power.
Because of comparison method between following two
signals, this function turn into sluggish motion due to stable
operation. Therefore if operation starts on the initial
condition far from optimal point, it takes much time to reach

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JAPAN 432-8561

maximum point. Further, as for sudden solar power change

with clouds etc, it also should be necessary to recover that
eficient condition. These problems mentioned above, may
become serious restriction on mobile vehicles, in which
sudden illumination and temperature change are certainly
unavoidable.
Therefore in order to solve above problems, we derive
new technology to instantaneously extract maximum power
from solar cells even the all kinds of condition changes. and
we have confirmed the effectiveness of our proposal by
experiments. In this paper, we take general view of
conventional method and control system that realizes
configuration of power conversion circuit in next chapter. In
chapter 3, we explain our new method which is consisted
with feedforward type (this is called QFl-method) and the
robust efficiency tracking system useful for parameter
change (it is called QF2-method). In chapter 4, we declare
the effectiveness of our proposal by experiment.
2.

Solar power generation system and maximum

power generation system

In this chapter, we mention about the necessity (maximum

power generation logic) that it must change the operation
condition of conversion circuits, and basic idea of our
proposal.

A. Necessiv of maximum power generation logic

Fig, 1 shows equivalent circuit of solar power conversion
circuit in[3].
$h Current induced by solar power.
(Arrow signal encircled )
Lj Diode current followed by operating voltage

I
Ish

01

nkT

'1

Leakage current in part of pn junction which is

not completely formed
h Leakage resistance (shunt resistance)
I.*

-I exp--qvJ

d-

Sum ofelectric resistance for semiconductor of

solar cell and resistance of electrode ,etc.
As mentioned above, general formula of solar cell
characteristics is defined by following equation.

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IECONO1: The 27th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society

Illumination L High

T-

im
I

VJ=V+IRs

X I

Fig. 1 E uivalent circuit of solar cell

Fig.2 shows %e circuit performance characteristic
diagram of solar power conversion, and then it is important
that the curve of load resistance (shown by straight line
there) matches with optimum operating point at any time.
Therefore equivalent load resistance must be tuned
continuously with the use of power converter operating
voltage.
As shown in Fig.2, if real operating point differs from
optimum operating point, then power lost should be caused
in that circuit. It is necessary that maximum power always
would be extracted at any condition in order to eliminate this
power loss.
Operating voltage defined Vs, and characteristics of
PWM converter, thisrelation is defined by next equation.

v=exp{-a(vs --vso)}
( 1.2)
By these equations (1.1) and (1.2), optimum operating
voltage Vs can be certainly obtained according to the change
of solar energy level measured frequently. Fig.3 shows
schematic diagram of calculation. In this figure, upper left
shows the characteristics of solar cell, lower left part shows
characteristics of PWM inverter circuit, and lower right
shows optimal operating voltage related with solar power.
For easy implementation, curve of optimal operating voltage
could be approximated by third order polynomials.
It becomes clear that optimum operating point for maximum
power exists in one point in this figure. According to solar
energy level (shown by L), this power curve change toward
the horizontal and vertical axis. In addition, characteristics
of solar cell is certainly varied according to operating
condition such as temperature. Therefore the new learning
method, which can adsorb characteristic changes, is
necessary.

- v

V-

C i u i t Voltage

nlumination

Fig.3 Relaticnships between circuit

a d operatingvoltage
B. O u t h e of new maximum power generation Iogic
In this chapter, we explain briefly new learning method.
Because it is the usual case that illumination condition of
solar power cannot directly measured as a learning signal,
we describe two method (QFI and QF2) which can easily
maintain optimal operating condition without such signal.
As for learning system of QF1 method, it can estimate
solar energy level by measuring solar power level under the
specified operating voltage. Then by means of look-uptable
which defines the relation between illumination power and
operating voltage, it sets up new optimal operating voltage
for keeping maximal power with feedforward control style,
and maintaining optimal operating point. Therefore, it is
possible to always keep conversion efficiency maximum
tracking solar energy sudden change with this method.
The other method, Qf2 logic absorbs the weak point of
QF1 that with conversion device, its characteristics easily
change due to condition, so this system consists of Qfl logic
and feedback learning logic. This new feedback learning
logic is realized by peak climbing method of conventional
learning system. Fig.4 shows operation of peak climbing
method.
The other method, Qtz logic absorbs the weak point of
QF1 that with conversion device, its characteristics easily
change due to condition, so this systemconsists of Qfl logic
and feedback learning logic.

Maximum Power Point

Operating Point

oint

-I=V/Z
0

Impedance o f Load1

2 0

Vallagc ( V )

Fig.2 Operaling point of solar cell

Voltage of Solar Cell

Fig.4 Operated condition

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L-

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IECON'O1: The 27th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society

This new feedback learning logic is realized by peak

climbing method of conventional learning system. Fig.4
shows operation of peak climbing method. The system
compares power of point A and B in figure, and moves
operating voltage for increasing power (arrow shows the
direction to move). Learning system has same action at
operating point C and D. Understood with Fig.4, this
feedback method certainly takes long time to reach the
optimal point when operating point A or D are far from
optimal point. Therefore feedback type learning system
cannot follow sudden energy change. In that case
feedforward type tracking system becomes useful such as
GFI method at this time.

3. Proposed maximum efficiency operating point

search logic
In this chapter, detailed logic of learning method of
tracking for sudden change is described. One is QF1
(feedforward type logic) to track instantaneously sudden
solar power change, the other is QF2 (feedforward +
feedback type learning logic) to correspond characteristics
of system.
A.Feedfonvard type (Quick Following :QF1-Method)
This method does not track optimal operation point, but
reaches instantaneously maximum power point.
We explain this method and effectiveness of this logic
using Fig.5. Fig.5 shows measured result of W-V
characteristics of solar cells.
Optimum operating point and relation property among solar
energy levels are easily understood with this figure.
From Fig.5, under the each solar power condition, optimal
operating point, should be evaluated uniquely using
equatiom written in above chapter.
If illumination level would be known, it is possible to set
the optimal operation condition by means of making PWM
converter conditionoptimal (Vs) using control system. Fig.6
shows this relation between solar power and optimal
operation voltage.

10

50000

100000

150000

Illumination (lux)
Fig.6 Relationships between illumination and
operating voltage
In usual applications of solar power system, illumination
level signals are not useful because of no detector installed.
Therefore some methods are necessary so that illuminati0 n
level could be estimated by measured power of conversion
circuit under the specified operating voltage reversibly. This
specified operating voltage is called specific operating
voltage.Fig.7 shows relationship between measured power
and illumination level under the specific operating voltage.
Illumination level at that point is easily distinguished as this
my.
Fig.8 shows relationship between illumination level and
operating voltage.
Therefore, Fig.7 and Fig.8 can lead Fig.9 (relationships
between power under specific operating voltage and
operating voltage).
150000
h

2
;
100000
0

1-C

'S
.5 50000

-E

Measured Value1

&

0
0

20
40
60
80
100 120
Power by Specific Operating Voltage (W

Fig.7 Relationships between power by specific

operating voltage and illumination

120

10

100

9
80

.-c2

20

E 3
8 2

1
0

10

15

20

25

30

Voltage (V)

Fig5 Power-voltage curve

50000
100000
Illumination (lux)

Fig.8 Relationships between illumination

and operating voltage

0-7803-7108-9/01/$10.00 (C)200 1 IEEE

150000

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IECONOl: The 27th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society

IO

----

$ 8 -

2
= 6

>M

.#

-t-

.- --

Measure W - V c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f s o l a r

Calculate operating voltage which a c h i e v e s

optimum operating voltage for each

5 2

Measured Value

yr

Evaluate relationships between power by

o p e r a t i n g v o l t a g e and o p e r a t i n g

*I

Fig.9 Relationships between power under

specific operating voltage and operating voltage
Even if the illumination level cannot be detected directly,
based on the characteristics shown in Fg.8, illumination
level at that time can be easily estimated. So also based on
the characteristics of Fig.9, optimal operating voltage should
be decided to achieve maximal solar power under the
environmental condition. And this control logic can easily
achieved maximal solar power with maximal conversion
efficiency without any time delays.
In addition, this control system acts like feedforward
element, so it is important to find the sudden change of
illumination level on time, then in order to answer the
problem, this system find that timing when more than 5W
change is detected comparing following two measured solar
power signals.
Fig.10 shows flowchart of QF1.

B. Feedfonvard +feedback type (QF2-Method)

Solar cell is made with semiconductor devices, and its
characteristics are usually varied according to environmental
condition such as operation temperature. So solar power
tracking system necessarily can keep the same learning
property under the environmental change. Therefore in order
to realize this robust learning system, So we propose another
new search logic which can correspond to these subject.
At the beginning of maximum power tracking control
system, QFI detects illumination level, then it quickly sets
new optimal operating voltage to achieve maimal solar
power, then it sequentially compares following two solar
power signals, and if it finds the sudden power change by
more than 5W, and at that time it uses QFI learning method.
If the difference between following two power level is less
than 5W, then feedback type tracking logic mainly operate to
keep optimal operating point.
Fig.10 shows the flowchart of QFI logic
This operates like conventional peak climbing method.
This method is called QF2 (QFI+ peak climbing method).
Fig. 11 shows flowchart of QF2.
4.

Fig.10 Flowchart o f QF1

diagram and operation of solar power conversion power

circuit are explained as following.
In order to set solar cell output operating voltage for the
sake of achieving maximal power, usually chopper type
PWM converter circuit is used in this case. Because PWM
converter circuit can set output voltage according to
reference signal. Chopper type regulator converts direct
current solar power into alternating current power by high
frequency chopping with MOSFET and again converts it
into direct current with smoothing choke coil and capacitor.
This method can control output voltage with change
ON/OFF interval of MOS-FET.
Method which controls ON/OFF interval of MOS-FET is
based on popular PWM method, and this detailed
mechanism is omitted here.
By using above chopper PWM circuit and regulator
system consisted by microprocessor, this system can easily
define the operating voltage arbitrarily. Fig.12 shows this
experimental circuit diagram.

ifference o f incre
se is more 5 W

Experiment and result [4]

Solar cell used in our experiment is made with normal

silicon single crystal semiconductor devices. And block

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Fig.1 I Flowchart of QF2

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IECONOl : The 27th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society

E
I

30
25
20
15

,o
10
m
5
0

10

30
Time (s)
Fig. 15 Response
20

40

50

Because conventional method goes toward maximum

power point in a similar manner like Fig. 14 ,power response
also raises gradually and amves to maximum power after 30
seconds. On the other hand, became Qfl instantaneously
arrives to maximum power point, Qfl gets maximum power
point quickly at the beginning. The difference of solar
power during 30 seconds between conventional method and
QF1 is about 300W (Conventional method is 417.399W,
QF1 is 721.629W), and then improvement of efficiency is
up to 2 times.

B. Response during sudden illumination level change

detailed experimental conditions are defined as follows,
. Conventional method :Illumination suddenly changes at
time of after 30 second from start,
660001ulc344001ux
. QF1 : Illumination suddenly changes after 30 second
from start, 66OOOlux-37 1OOlux

2 0

I O

3 0

v 0 itage ( V )
Fig. I3 Power fluctuation versus
armature-voltage

Fig. 16 shows operating voltage changes while sudden

change defined above happens. Conventional method
changes operating voltage to search optimal point gradually,
comparing following power signals, and then it needs about
80 seconds to reach optimal operating point. . On the other
hand, however under the sudden illumination change, QF1
could control voltage quickly to reach final value. Then in
case of conventional method, after it amves at final point, it
needs vibration to compare the level. Its amplitude is about
22 to 26V after about 110 second. Wtage of QF1 after
illumination change is about 24V. Therefore QF1 can control
voltage in neighborhood of maximum power point. Similar
to Fig. 15,in this case, Fig. 17 shows power response .

30
25

20

-p3 1510

5
0

10

20

30

Time (s)

40

50

Time (s)

100

I50

Fig. 16 Response after suddenly changed illumination

Fig. 14 Response

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50

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IECONO1: The 27th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society

80

Conventional Method

60
40

F1 (66400-37100)

The summary of new learning method effectiveness is shown in

table. 1 .

a 20
0

100
150
Time (s)
Fig. 17 Response after suddenly changed illumination
0

50

After illumination changes at 30second, voltage rises

toward maximum power point and reaches maximum power
after 80 seconds in case of conventional method. On the
other hand, QF1 method reaches quickly.
We check the performance difference, so we compare
total power in the interval of between 33 and 59 second after
illumination change. Conventional method is 3 16.397W.
Also QFl is 812.524W. 14s the result, power difference is
about 5OOW shown in this figure.

I
I

:Illumination sudden change after

30 second from start 660001ulc344001ux
QF1 :Illumination sudden change
after 30 second from control statt
660001ulc344001ux

Fig. 18 shows power response property.

Shown in this figure, QF2 method instantaneously causes
QF1 logic because the power change is detected at time of
30second.Then based on look-up table, it changes quickly
operating voltage to about optimal point. And QF2 switches
function to feedback type search logic to increase more
power level. And finally QF2 method has been confirmed to
reach maximal power level.

70
60
50

40
30
a 20
10
0
0

:s0

Time (s)

100

150

Fig. 18 Response after suddenly changed illumination

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I L m s i f effectiveness

Conventional Method

QFl Method

I
I
I

Energy increase (Wsec)

417.399
72 1.629

QFl -Conventional Method

304.23

Conventional Method

1482.436

QF2 Method

2640.964

IQF2-Conventional Method I

1422.221

C. Response with QF2 method under the sudden

illumination change

. Conventional method

Table 1. Total electric energy for each experiment

5. Conclusion
Global warming about earth environmental issues
including energy problem becomes more and more serious
problem in the 2 1st century. Because this issue is related to
the basis of human lives, then global discussions has been
continued in an international conference. But first problem
that must be approached is the elimination of fossil and
nuclear energy, and instead, not only solar power refened in
this paper but also wind and tide power etc. should be used
extensively.
As for solar power energy applications, there is still
serious problems such as how compensated it is under the
quick change of weather. And further efficiency
improvement of conversion device become basic subject we
have confirmed that this proposed technology could enable
the applications of solar power system.
In the future, implementation problem is certainly open
problem to make solar cell device and microprocessor based
learning method together into same chip. If this technology
would be realized, then about more than twice improvement
of solar power efficiency would be achieved.
6. Reference
[ 1v.Nakicenovic, etc, Global Energy Perspectives,
WEC/IIASA, Cambridge University Press (1988)
[2wasuyama Y,.Mitsui H., Fukasawa T., and Takaba M,
etc,: Development of a Propeller Open Test System and
an Advanced Maximum Power Point Tracker(MPPT) for
Solar Powered Racing Boat, Proc. of the Annual Conf.
Of .American Solar Energy Society, 4831487, 1998
[3yohn G. Kassakian, etc,Power Electronics, MIT Press
(1997)
[4lTbjimoto et al, Improvement of Generation Efficiency
for Solar Power System, 12th Shizuoka Conference,
Chapter Chubu, SICE, 2000 (in Japanese)

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