Photovoltaic Systems forElectrolysis Using a Maximum Power PointTracker

Electrolysis istheprocess ofdecomposition ofa substance intoitschemical components byanelectric current. Theprocess takesplaceinasolution byanelectrolytic cell usually atlowvoltage andhighcurrent. A circuit witha voltage sourceandaninternal resistance mayrepresent the characteristic oftheelectrolytic cell. An exampleisa chlorinator usedinsalt-water swimming andspapools to produce insitu chlorine fordisinfection. Thispaperdeals with theanalysis ofaphotovoltaic chlorinator system andcompares theamountofelectric chargedelivered tosystems when operating withandwithout amaximumpowerpoint tracker (MIPPT). Goodoperation oftheelectrolytic system loadline is obtained iftheline istotheleft ofthemaximumpowerline of thephotovoltaic array. Usingan MPPT inthesystemmay increase theelectric charge totheelectrolytic cell, andthus, mayreduce therequired numberofPVpanels.