A Comparative Simulation Analysis of Maximum Power Point Tracking Approaches

The occurrence of multiple local maxima due to partial shading conditions poses a serious challenge to MPPT techniques. This paper compares the popular real-time MPPT algorithm with the scanning approach using PSPICE simulation. The MPPT methods are compared at dynamic partial shading conditions. The compromises between real-time and scanning methods are investigated. It is shown that the scanning approach is able to search for global MPPs but incurs power loss during the scanning period. A new strategy that reduces the scanning period by skipping parts of the voltage range is presented in this paper.

[1]  M. Vitelli,et al.  Optimization of perturb and observe maximum power point tracking method , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[2]  Pablo Sanchis,et al.  On the testing, characterization, and evaluation of PV inverters and dynamic MPPT performance under real varying operating conditions , 2007 .

[3]  H. Otsuka,et al.  Control characteristics of a fibonacci-search-based maximum power point tracker when a photovoltaic array is partially shaded , 2004, The 4th International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference, 2004. IPEMC 2004..

[4]  O. Wasynezuk.  Dynamic Behavior of a Class of Photovoltaic Power Systems , 1983, IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems.

[5]  M. Miyatake,et al.  A Novel maximum power point tracker controlling several converters connected to photovoltaic arrays with particle swarm optimization technique , 2007, 2007 European Conference on Power Electronics and Applications.

[6]  Tsutomu Hoshino,et al.  Maximum photovoltaic power tracking: an algorithm for rapidly changing atmospheric conditions , 1995 .

[7]  Ronnie Belmans,et al.  Partial shadowing of photovoltaic arrays with different system configurations: literature review and field test results , 2003 .

[8]  Vivek Agarwal,et al.  Maximum Power Point Tracking Scheme for PV Systems Operating Under Partially Shaded Conditions , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[9]  P.L. Chapman,et al.  Comparison of Photovoltaic Array Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion.

[10]  Kostas Kalaitzakis,et al.  Development of a microcontroller-based, photovoltaic maximum power point tracking control system , 2001 .

[11]  Ichiro Takano,et al.  A Study of a Two Stage Maximum Power Point Tracking Control of a Photovoltaic System under Partially Shaded Insolation Conditions , 2004 .

[12]  F. Blaabjerg,et al.  Improved MPPT Algorithms for Rapidly Changing Environmental Conditions , 2006, 2006 12th International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference.

[13]  Ursula Eicker,et al.  Shading Losses of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems , 2008 .

[14]  M. Ermis,et al.  Maximum power point tracking for low power photovoltaic solar panels , 1994, Proceedings of MELECON '94. Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference.