Binary Search based Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Photovoltaic System

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation of the Binary Search Algorithm (BSA) to determine the Maximum Power Point (MPP) of a photovoltaic (PV) system under variable weather conditions. Additionally, the conventional well-known Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm is also implemented to be compared with the binary search based Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm. Both algorithms are implemented in real time in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The experimental study is performed using the two 260 W series connected PV modules, the buck converter, and Humusoft MF 634 card to enable real-time operation. The value of the duty cycle for the buck converter is being updated in each step moving the operation point closer to MPP. The obtained experimental results demonstrate that the binary search based MPPT algorithm is more efficient and accurate when compared to the P&O MPPT algorithm.