Implementation of cost-effective MPPT solar photovoltaic system based on the comparison between Incremental Conductance and P&O algorithm

Abstract

This paper presents design of a maximum power point tracker (MPPT)charge controller which is economical and efficient. Incremental Conductance and Perturb & Observe (P&O) method are the two most popular methods based on their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The paper focuses on estimating the most suitable algorithm for the implementation of charge controller based on data collected at different irradiance level. Proposed system also incorporated a custom made MOSFET driver circuit for the BUCK converter which is cheaper compared to available MOSFET driver ICs. Another advantage of this driver circuit that it is smaller in size and the two transistors in the driver circuit will never turn on at the same time. Introduction of snubber circuit, addition of Hall effect current sensor has reduced the not only resistive and switching losses but also the voltage spikes. The main focus of this paper is the reduction of cost of the charge controller by choosing the most suitable algorithm.