Bonfring International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Vol. 8, No.
1, March 2018 12
Energy Efficient Perturb and Observe MPPT
Algorithm for PV Application
G. Mahalakshmi, D. Maladhi, G. Manochitra and T. Bhavatharini
Abstract--- Photovoltaic (PV) boards are gadgets that
change over daylight into electrical vitality and are thought to
be one of the significant methods for delivering spotless and
endless sustainable power source. Notwithstanding, these
gadgets don't generally normally work at most extreme
proficiency because of the nonlinearity of their yield current-
voltage trademark which is influenced by the board
temperature and irradiance. Subsequently, an elite greatest
power-point following MPPT is the way to keep the PV
framework working at the ideal power point which at that
point gives most extreme productivity. Numerous MPPT
controllers and distinctive sorts of control methods have been
considered before. In any case, they don't precisely track the
most extreme power. This paper basically considers the MPPT
control strategy or calculation i.e, irritate and watch (P&O)
system which is broadly utilized because of its minimal effort
and simplicity of usage. The proposed strategy has been
assessed utilizing MATLAB programming.
Keywords--- Buck Converter, MPPT, PV Panel, Perturb
&Observe Algorithm.
I. INTRODUCTION
T HE developing energy demand coupled with the
possibility of decreased deliver of traditional fuels,
evidenced by using petroleum disaster, together with
developing concerns about environmental conservation, has
driven studies and development of alternative power assets
that are purifier, are renewable, and produce little
environmental effect. a number of the alternative assets, the
electric strength from photovoltaic (PV) cells is presently
appeared as a natural energy supply that is greater useful,
when you consider that it's far unfastened, considerable, easy,
and dispensed over the Earth and participates as a primary
component of all other techniques of strength manufacturing
on earth. Furthermore, regardless of the phenomena of
mirrored image and absorption of sunlight via the ecosystem,
it's miles estimated that sun strength incident on earth’s floor
G. Mahalakshmi, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology,
Coimbatore India. E-mail:mahalakshmim@skcet.ac.in
D. Maladhi, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Electronics Engineering,
Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India.
E-mail:maladhid@skcet.ac.in
G. Manochitra, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology,
Coimbatore, India. E-mail:manochitrag@skcet.ac.in
T. Bhavatharini, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology,
Coimbatore, India. E-mail:bhavatharinit@skcet.ac.in
DOI:10.9756/BIJIEMS.8361
ISSN 2277-5056 | © 2018 Bonfring
is on the order of ten thousand instances more than the world
electricity consumption.
However a major take a look at in using a PV source is to
undertake its nonlinear output characteristics, which range
with solar irradiation and atmospheric temperature. The traits
get more complex if the whole array does not acquire uniform
insolation, as in partly shaded (cloudy) conditions, ensuing in
lots of peaks. Presence of many peaks reduces the
performance. several strategies had been applied for this most
energy point monitoring like, Open Circuit (OC), quick
Circuit (SC) and Perturb & look at (P & O) MPPT are
ordinarily utilized in PV Array. The OC and SC methods are
easy but do no longer correctly music the maximum power
[1]-[5] in order to conquer the above disadvantage, P&O
technique is used. The approach operates through periodically
converting the output voltage of the sun array and evaluating
the corresponding output electricity. when the most of the
product I*V is discovered, the MPP has been placed This
paper seems at the MPPT for PV device using P&O technique
wherein the instantaneous price of electricity are taken into
consideration each time, and the maximum electricity point
value is reorganized.
The main compensation connected with PV module is that
it consists of no moving parts. Do not produce any noise and
maintenance costs are minimal. This paper begins with a
review of PV characteristics and generation. Subsequently, the
tracking of maximum power point of P-V and I-V curves
using perturb and observe method is explained. Global
warming and energy policies have become a hot topic on the
international agenda in the last years.
Developed countries are trying to reduce their greenhouse
gas emissions. For example, the EU has committed to reduce
the emissions of greenhouse gas to at least 20% below 1990
levels and to produce no less than 20% of its energy
consumption from renewable sources by 2020 [1].
In this context, photovoltaic (PV) power generation has an
important role to play due to the fact that it is a green source.
The only emissions associated with PV power generation are
those from the production of its components. After their
installation they generate electricity from the solar irradiation
without emitting greenhouse gases. In their lifetime, which is
around 25 years, PV panels produce more energy than that for
their manufacturing [2].
Also they can be installed in places with no other use, such
as roofs and deserts, or they can produce electricity for remote
locations, where there is no electricity network. The latter type
of installations is known as off-grid facilities and sometimes
they are the most economical. Alternative to provide
Bonfring International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2018 13

electricity in isolated areas. However, most of the PV power May, 2010 [9]. It specifies how to test the efficiency of MPPT
generation comes from grid-connected installations, where the methods both statically and dynamically. In any case, there are
power is fed in the electricity network. In fact, it is a growing no publications comparing the results of the different MPPT
business in developed countries such as Germany which in algorithms under the conditions proposed in the standard.
2010 is by far the world leader in PV power generation
followed by Spain, Japan, USA and Italy [3]. On the other II. EXISTING SYSTEM
hand, due to the equipment required, PV power generation is Incremental Conductance Based Maximum Power Point
more expensive than other resources. Governments are Tracking (MPPT) for Photovoltaic System Photovoltaic (PV)
promoting it with subsidies or feed-in tariffs, expecting the energy is the most important energy resource since it is clean,
development of the technology so that in the near future it will pollution free, and inexhaustible. In recent years, a large
become competitive [3]-[4]. Increasing the efficiency in PV number of techniques have been proposed for tracking the
plants so the power generated increases is a key aspect, as it maximum power point (MPP). Maximum power point
will increase the incomes, reducing consequently the cost of tracking (MPPT) is used in photovoltaic (PV) systems to
the power generated so it will approach the cost of the power maximize the photovoltaic array output power, irrespective of
produced from other sources. the temperature and radiation conditions and of the load
The efficiency of a PV plant is affected mainly by three electrical characteristics the PV array output power is used to
factors: the efficiency of the PV panel (in commercial PV directly control the dc/dc converter, thus reducing the
panels it is between 8-15% [3]), the efficiency of the inverter complexity of the system. The method is based on use of a
(95-98 % [5]) and the efficiency of the maximum power point Incremental conductance of the PV to determine an optimum
tracking (MPPT) algorithm (which is over 98% [6]). operating current for the maximum output power. Block
Improving the efficiency of the PV panel and the inverter is diagram of Existing system is shown in Fig.1. The effect of
not easy as it depends on the technology available, it may solar irradiance and temperature on I-V and P-V
require better components, which can increase drastically the characteristics is shown in figure 2.
cost of the installation. Instead, improving the tracking of the
maximum power point (MPP) with new control algorithms is
easier, not expensive and can be done even in plants which are
already in use by updating their control algorithms, which
would lead to an immediate increase in PV power generation
and consequently a reduction in its price.
MPPT algorithms are necessary because PV arrays have a
non linear voltage-current characteristic with a unique point Figure 1: Block Diagram for Existing System
where the power produced is maximum [7]. This point
depends on the temperature of the panels and on the irradiance
conditions. Both conditions change during the day and are also
different depending on the season of the year. Furthermore,
irradiation can change rapidly due to changing atmospheric
conditions such as clouds. It is very important to track the
MPP accurately under all possible conditions so that the
maximum available power is always obtained. In the past
years numerous MPPT algorithms have been published [8].
They differ in many aspects such as complexity, sensors
required, cost or efficiency. Figure 2: The Effect of Solar Irradiance and Temperature on
However, it is pointless to use a more expensive or more I-V and P-V Characteristics
complicated method if with a simpler and less expensive one
similar results can be obtained. This is the reason why some of III. PV EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT
the proposed techniques are not used. Measuring the Solar cells are connected in series and parallel to set up the
efficiency of MPPT algorithms has not been standardized until solar array. Solar cell will produce dc voltage when it is
the European Standard EN 50530 was published at the end of exposed to sunlight. Solar cell can be regarded as a non-linear
May, 2010 [9]. It specifies how to test the efficiency of MPPT current source. Its generated current depends on the
methods both statically and dynamically. In any case, there are characteristic of material, age of solar cell, irradiation and cell
no publications comparing the results of the different MPPT temperature. Equivalent circuit of PV cell is shown in figure 3.
algorithms under the conditions proposed in the standard.
However, it is pointless to use a more expensive or more
complicated method if with a simpler and less expensive one
similar results can be obtained. This is the reason why some of
the proposed techniques are not used. Measuring the
efficiency of MPPT algorithms has not been standardized until
the European Standard EN 50530 was published at the end of Figure 3: Equivalent Circuit for PV

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Bonfring International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2018 14

In incremental conductance method the array terminal system design. Normally, for battery system voltage is equal
voltage is always adjusted according to the MPP voltage it is or less than 48 V, buck converter is useful. On the other hand,
based on the incremental and instantaneous conductance of the if battery system voltage is greater than 48 V, boost converter
PV module. should be chosen. In incremental conductance method the
The P-V array power curve is zero at The MPP, increasing array terminal voltage is always adjusted according to the
on the left of the MPP and decreasing on the Right hand side MPP voltage it is based on the incremental and instantaneous
of the MPP. The basic equations of this method are as follows. conductance of the PV module. The basic concept of
Incremental conductance on a PV curve of a solar module is
𝜕𝜕𝜕𝜕 𝐼𝐼 shown in figure 5.
=− at MPP (1)
𝜕𝜕𝜕𝜕 𝑉𝑉
𝜕𝜕𝜕𝜕 𝑖𝑖
<− Right of MPP (2)
𝜕𝜕𝜕𝜕 𝑣𝑣
Here I and V are P-V array output current and voltage
respectively. The left hand side of equations represents
incremental conductance of P-V module and the right hand
side represents the instantaneous conductance. When the ratio
of change in output conductance is equal to the negative
output conductance, the solar array will operate at the
maximum power point.
This method exploits the assumption of the ratio of change
in output conductance is equal to the negative output
Conductance Instantaneous conductance. We have,
𝑃𝑃 = 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 (3)
Applying the chain rule for the derivative of products
yields to
∂P [∂(VI)]
= (4)
∂V ∂V
The above equation could be written in terms of array Figure 4: Incremental Conductance MPPT Flow Chart
voltage V and array current I as
𝜕𝜕𝜕𝜕 𝐼𝐼
=− (5)
𝜕𝜕𝜕𝜕 𝑉𝑉
The MPPT regulates the PWM control signal of the dc – to
– dc boost converter until the condition:
𝜕𝜕𝜕𝜕 𝐼𝐼
� �+� � = 0 (6)
𝜕𝜕𝜕𝜕 𝑉𝑉
In this method the peak power of the module lies at above
98% of its incremental conductance. The Flow chart of
incremental conductance MPPT is shown in figure 4. Figure 5: Incremental Conductance MPPT
MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracking is algorithm The slope of the P-V module power curve is zero at The
that included in charge controllers used for extracting MPP, increasing on the left of the MPP and decreasing on the
maximum available power from PV module under certain Right hand side of the MPP. The basic equations of this
conditions. The voltage at which PV module can produce method are as follows
maximum power is called „maximum power point‟ (or peak The dP/dV is defined as Maximum power point identifier
power voltage). Maximum power varies with solar radiation, factor. By utilizing this factor, the IC method is proposed to
ambient temperature and solar cell temperature. Typical PV effectively track the MPP of PV array. The following
module produces power with maximum power voltage of definitions are considered to track the MPP.
around 17 V when measured at a cell temperature of 25°C, it
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
can drop to around 15 V on a very hot day and it can also rise = 0 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 (7)
to 18 V on a very cold day. MPPT checks output of PV 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
module, compares it to battery voltage then fixes what is the 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
> 0 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 (8)
best power that PV module can produce to charge the battery 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
and converts it to the best voltage to get maximum current into 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
battery. It can also supply power to a DC load, which is < 0 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 (9)
connected directly to the battery. MPPT algorithm can be 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
applied to both buck and boost power converter depending on

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Bonfring International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2018 15

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑(𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 current by an appropriate design of the structure of the solar
= = 𝐼𝐼 + 𝑉𝑉 ∗ (10)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑(𝑉𝑉) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 cell, as will be explained in brief below. For further details,
the reader can consult references. The solar cell can be
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝐼𝐼
> − 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀, 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 = +𝛿𝛿 (11) represented by the electrical model shown in figure 7. The
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝑉𝑉 figure 8 is the sub system of PV panel.
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝐼𝐼
< − 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀, 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 = −𝛿𝛿 (12)
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝑉𝑉
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝐼𝐼
= − 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀, 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀, 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 = 0 (13)
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝑉𝑉
The MPPT regulates the PWM control signal of the dc to
dc power converter until the condition: (dI/dV) + (I/V) = 0 is
satisfied. Consider the nth iteration of the algorithm as a
reference, and then n+1 iteration process can be determined by
using the above equations. The Flow chart of incremental
conductance MPPT is shown in figure 4. The output control
signal of the IC method is used to adjust the voltage reference
of PV array by increasing or decreasing a constant value
(∆V=δ) to the previous reference voltage. In this method the
Figure 8: Subsystem of PV Panel
tracking of MPP is accomplished by a fixed step size (+ δ)
regardless to the gap between the operating point of PV and
𝑞𝑞(𝑉𝑉−𝐼𝐼𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆 ) 𝑉𝑉 − 𝐼𝐼𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆
𝐼𝐼 = 𝐼𝐼𝐿𝐿 − 𝐼𝐼0 �𝑒𝑒 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 − 1� − (14)
MPP location. In this method the peak power of the module 𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆
lies at above 97% of its incremental conductance. where I and V are the solar cell output current and voltage
respectively, I0 is the dark saturation current, q is the charge of
IV. PROPOSED METHOD an electron, A is the diode quality (ideality) factor, k is the
The Block diagram of the proposed system is shown in Boltzmann constant, T is the absolute temperature and RS and
figure 6. RSH are the series and shunt resistances of the solar cell. RS is
the resistance offered by the contacts and the bulk
semiconductor material of the solar cell. The origin of the
shunt resistance RSH is more difficult to explain. It is related
to the non ideal nature of the p–n junction and the presence of
impurities near the edges of the cell that provide a short-circuit
path around the junction [4]. In an ideal case RS would be
zero and RSH infinite. However, this ideal scenario is not
Figure 6: Block Diagram of Proposed System possible and manufacturers try to minimize the effect of both
resistances to improve their products.
A PV panel is composed of many solar cells, which are
connected in series and parallel so the output current and
voltage of the PV panel are high enough to the requirements of
the grid or equipment.
Taking into account the simplification mentioned above,
the output current-voltage characteristic of a PV panel is
expressed by equation, where np and ns are the number of
solar cells in parallel and series respectively
𝑞𝑞(𝑉𝑉−𝐼𝐼𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆 )
𝐼𝐼 ≈ 𝑛𝑛𝑝𝑝 𝐼𝐼𝐿𝐿 − 𝑛𝑛𝑝𝑝 𝐼𝐼0 �𝑒𝑒 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑛𝑛 𝑠𝑠 − 1� (15)

Two important points of the current-voltage characteristic

must be pointed out: the open circuit voltage VOC and the
Figure 7: Block Diagram of PV Panel Connected to the Load
short circuit current ISC. At both points the power generated is
zero. VOC can be approximated from the above equation
V. PV MODULE when the output current of the cell is zero, i.e. I=0 and the
Solar cells are the basic components of photovoltaic shunt resistance RSH is neglected. The short circuit current
panels. Most are made from silicon even though other ISC is the current at V = 0 and is approximately equal to the
materials are also used. Solar cells take advantage of the light generated current I
photoelectric effect: the ability of some semiconductors to
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝐼𝐼𝐿𝐿
convert electromagnetic radiation directly into electrical 𝑣𝑣𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 ≈ 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 � + 1� (16)
current. The charged particles generated by the incident 𝑞𝑞 𝐼𝐼0
radiation are separated conveniently to create an electrical 𝐼𝐼𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ≈ 𝐼𝐼𝐿𝐿 (17)

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Bonfring International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2018
A. DC-DC Converter
The choice of the appropriate DC/DC converter for the
implementation of both the MPPT system and its integration
in the facility array has not been explicitly studied, despite its
affecting significantly the optimum operation of the
photovoltaic system. The aim of this work is to make a
comparative of the photovoltaic system performance using the
three basic topologies of three different DC-DC converters
(Buck and Boost converter) and MPPT tracker, for that we
require the study of characteristics and properties of DC/DC
converters, especially as regards the input impedance that they
present under certain operating conditions. So that it may be
possible to make a decision on the best configuration to be
used.
Few comparisons such as voltage, current and power
output for each different combination has been recorded. Multi
changes in duty cycle, irradiance, temperature by keeping
voltage and current as main sensed parameter. This is a
converter whose output voltage is smaller than the input
voltage and output current is larger than the input current.
Buck converter circuit diagram is shown in Fig 9. Simulink
model of buck converter is shown in Fig 10.
Figure 9: Buck Converter Circuit
Figure 10: Simulink Model of the Buck Converter
From the subsystem of DC-DC converter. This expression gives
us the following relationships:
𝑉𝑉0 𝐼𝐼𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖
= = 𝐷𝐷 (18)
𝑉𝑉𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝐼𝐼0
Knowing Vin and Iin, we can find the input resistance of
the converter. This is given by,
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = = 𝑉𝑉0 (19)
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
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16
𝑉𝑉0 𝑉𝑉0
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝐷𝐷 𝑅𝑅0
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = = = 𝐼𝐼02 = 2 (20)
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼0𝐷𝐷 𝐷𝐷 𝐷𝐷
Where Ro is the output resistance or load resistance of the
converter. We know that D varies from 0 to ∞ (0 to 1 not inf).
Hence Rin would vary from ∞ to Ro as D varies from 0 to
1 correspondingly.
Being the expressions of Rin continuous in D, for a
scanning of the converter’s duty cycle D2 [0,1], Rin takes
values that belong to the interval [RL,1), being RL the load
resistance or Ro. If RMPP does not belong to the set of values
allowed for Rin, the capture of MPP will not be possible, thus
defining a “non-capture zone‟ for RL > RMPP values. The
MPP capture will only be possible for RL ≤ RMPP values.
B. MPPT Algorithm
The photovoltaic module yields the current-voltage
characteristic with a unique point which is known as the
Maximum Power Point (MPP). Perturb and Observe (P and O)
and Incremental Conductance (INC) algorithms are most
widely used, especially for low-cost implementations. The
MPP changes as a consequence of the variation of the
irradiance level and temperature.
Figure 11: Flowchart of P&O MPPT Algorithm
Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the PV system
always operates at the MPP in order to maximize the power
harvesting in that prevailing environmental conditions. This
compares the power measured in the previous cycle with the
power of the current cycle to determine the next perturbation
direction.
Bonfring International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2018
Figure 12: Simulation Subsystem of MPPT
The Fig 12 is the sub system of MPPT. If the power
increases due to the perturbation then the perturbation will
remain in the same direction. If the operating point exceeds
the peak power and deviate to the right side of the P-V
characteristic curve, the power at the next instant will
decrease. Thus, the direction of the perturbation reverses.
When the steady-state is reached, the operating point oscillates
around the peak power as the MPP will perturb continuously.
The P&O algorithm is also called “hill-climbing”, but both
names refer to the same algorithm depending on how it is
implemented. Hill-climbing involves a perturbation on the
duty cycle of the power converter and P&O a perturbation in
the operating voltage of the DC link between the PV array and
the power converter [8]. In the case of the Hill-climbing,
perturbing the duty cycle of the power converter implies
modifying the voltage of the DC link between the PV array
and the power converter, so both names refer to the same
technique. In this method, the sign of the last perturbation and
the sign of the last increment in the power are used to decide
what the next perturbation should be. It increases the power
whereas on the right decrementing the voltage increases the
power. Perturbation should be kept in the same direction and if
the power decreases, then the next perturbation should be in
opposite direction. Photovoltaic arrays present a nonlinear I-V
characteristic. For different solar irradiances and constant
temperature, the current vs. voltage (I-V) curves and power vs.
voltage (P-V) curves. Based on these facts, the algorithm is
implemented. The process is repeated until the MPP is
reached. Then the operating point oscillates around the MPP.
The data to plot the I-V and P-V curves are obtained by
loading the PV array from short circuit to open circuit
condition. The curves are used to obtain performance level of
PV systems (cells, modules, arrays). I-V curve can show the
peak Maximum power is generated at only one point on the
power curve; this occurs at the knee of the curve. The slope of
the power curve ∂P/∂V is positive on the left side of the MPP
and negative on the right side of MPP. At MPP, the slope
∂P/∂V equals to zero. The portion of the I-V curve at the left
of MPP is called the constant current region since variation of
current is very small. Similarly, the right portion of the curve
is called constant voltage region due to very small variation of
voltage in that region.
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17
Figure 13: Flowchart of MPPT Algorithm
Since the MPP depends on solar irradiation and cell
temperature, it is never constant over time; thereby Maximum
Power Point Tracking (MPPT) should be used to track its
changes. As the MPP changes with time during the day and
throughout the year, a suitable power harvesting action must
be performed continuously by the power electronic converter
that interfaces the PV generator to the load and/or grid, setting
its operating point in a manner that allows the modules to
produce the most power they are capable of. Then, a control
tracking algorithm must be developed to follow the MPP of
the PV field that is the MPPT algorithm. P&O method
involves a perturbation in the operating voltage of the PV
array.
It can be understood from Figure that power is increased
(decreased) when voltage is incremented (decremented) and
the operating point lies on the left of the MPP. The power
decreases (increases) for the increase (decrease) of voltage
when the operating point lies on the right of the MPP. Hence,
in case of power increase, the subsequent perturbation should
be kept the same to reach the MPP and in case of power
decrease, the perturbation should be reversed.
The process is repeated periodically until the MPP is
reached. The system then oscillates about the MPP. Reducing
the perturbation step size, this oscillation can be minimized.
However, a smaller perturbation size slows down the MPPT.
A solution to this conflicting situation is to have a variable
perturbation size that gets smaller towards the MPP as shown
in [3]. The P&O method cannot track the MPP when the
irradiance changes rapidly; and it oscillates around the MPP
instead of directly tracking it. Numerous researches have been
undertaken on perturb and observe method to improve its
performance. The techniques employ either fixed or variable
step-size. The experimental results is shown in Fig.14
Bonfring International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2018
Figure 14: Experimental Results
VI. CONCLUSION
A modification in Perturb and Observe MPPT technique is
proposed in this paper to reduce its inherent tracking-
oscillations trade-off problem. Single-stage grid-connected PV
inverter is considered where phase angle of the inverter
switching signal is adjusted for tracking MPP. The step-size of
perturbation is adaptive such that it is larger when the
operating point is far from MPP and it becomes smaller
gradually as the operating point approaches closer to the MPP.
Details of the modification with necessary equations are
presented. Simulation results clearly show the improvement in
the performance of P&O method with the proposed
modifications. The results are compared with the results
obtained from the simulation considering different values of
fixed step-sizes. It is found that the tracking speed is
maximum and the oscillations around MPP are minimum for
the proposed modifications.
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G. Mahalakshmi, Assistant Professor/EEE, received B.E
degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from
Periyar University, Salem and M.E in Power Electronics
& Drives from Anna University, Chennai in the year
2008. Registered Ph.D during January 2015. From 2008-
2012, she was working as a Assistant Professor in Sri
Ramkrishna Institute of Technology, Coimbatore. Since
2014 she has been an Assistant Professor with the
Electrical Engineering Department, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and
Technology, Coimbatore. Her research interest include switched reluctance
and Induction Motor Drives. She has published 6 International Journal and 2
National Journals.
D. Maladhi, Assistant Professor/EEE, received B.E
degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from
Anna University, Chennai and M.E in Control Systems
from Anna University, Chennai in the year 2014. Since
2015 she has been an Assistant Professor with the
Electrical Engineering Department, Sri Krishna College
of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore. Her
research interest include Process Control and control system and soft
computing techniques.
G. Manochitra, Assistant Professor/EEE, received
B.E degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
from Anna University, Chennai and M.E in Control
Systems from Anna University, Chennai in the year
2014. Since 2015 she has been an Assistant Professor
with the Electrical Engineering Department, Sri
Krishna College of Engineering and Technology,
Coimbatore. Her research interest include Process
Control and control system design.
T. Bhavatharini, Assistant Professor/EEE, received
B.E degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
from Anna University, Chennai and M.E in Power
Systems Engineering from Anna University, Chennai in
the year 2015. Since 2015 she has been an Assistant
Professor with the Electrical Engineering Department,
Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology,
Coimbatore. Her research interest include Power Systems, Deregulated Power
system and soft computing Techniques.