Modeling and simulation of maximum power point tracker for photovoltaic system

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to model and simulate a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) of photovoltaic (PV) system for battery charging application. Firstly, a simulation of Shell SM50-H PV module current-voltage (I-V) and power-voltage (P-V) characteristics at various insolation and temperature levels have been carried out using Matlab software. Next, the incremental conductance algorithm is applied for maximum power point (MPP) tracking purpose, which is developed using C programming. This algorithm is selected due to its ability to withstand against any parameter variation and having a very high efficiency. As a result, by variation of the temperature and the insolation, the algorithm still managed to track the MPP successfully. Finally, a model of a boost converter is constructed using Matlab/Simulink, particularly with great utilization of the power system blockset, (PSB), in order to verify the performance of proposed MPPT system. MPPT controlling process is developed using a simple voltage based MPPT that is controlled by a microcontroller-based unit to drive the MOSFET power switch. As for the consequences, this technique performance tends to give significant efficiency, in addition, it is cost saving and reliable.