A simplified analysis of DC-DC converters applied as maximum power point tracker in photovoltaic systems

Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPT) systems are essential devices employed to maximize the power flow from a photovoltaic module (or array) to a load. In most applications, the MPPT is composed by a DC-DC converter interposed between the photovoltaic module and the load. Among the main DC-DC converters, the Buck-type and Boost-type are not proper for this purpose, since they cannot ensure that the operation point will match the maximum power point for every radiation and temperature conditions. On the other hand, as it will be demonstrated theoretically and by experimentation, the Buck-Boost, Cúk, Sepic, Zeta, or any other DC-DC converter with static transfer characteristic given by D/(1-D), are a natural solution in Maximum Power Point Tracking applications.

[1]  Roberto F. Coelho,et al.  A proposed photovoltaic module and array mathematical modeling destined to simulation , 2009, 2009 IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics.

[2]  Roberto F. Coelho,et al.  A study of the basic DC-DC converters applied in maximum power point tracking , 2009, 2009 Brazilian Power Electronics Conference.

[3]  D. Shmilovitz,et al.  A Modified MPPT Scheme for Accelerated Convergence , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion.

[4]  E.D. Aranda,et al.  Measuring the I-V curve of PV generators , 2009, IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine.

[5]  Marcelo G. Villalva,et al.  Analysis and simulation of the P&O MPPT algorithm using a linearized PV array model , 2009, 2009 35th Annual Conference of IEEE Industrial Electronics.

[6]  N. Dasgupta,et al.  A Simple Single-Sensor MPPT Solution , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[7]  A. Bakhshai,et al.  An MPPT Controller Design for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Based on the Optimal Voltage Factor Tracking , 2007, 2007 IEEE Canada Electrical Power Conference.