Maximum power point tracking control techniques: State-of-the-art in photovoltaic applications

A photovoltaic (PV) array has non-linear I–V (current–voltage) characteristics and its output power varies with solar insolation level and ambient temperature. There exists only one point, called maximum power point (MPP), on the P–V (power–voltage) curve, where power is maximum and this point varie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 2013-07, Vol.23, p.224-241
Main Authors: Bhatnagar, Pallavee, Nema, R.K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
algorithms
ambient temperature
Applied sciences
DC/DC converter
Energy
energy conversion
Equipments, installations and applications
Exact sciences and technology
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
Natural energy
Photovoltaic (PV) array
Photovoltaic conversion
Power conditioners
Solar energy
solar radiation
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Summary:A photovoltaic (PV) array has non-linear I–V (current–voltage) characteristics and its output power varies with solar insolation level and ambient temperature. There exists only one point, called maximum power point (MPP), on the P–V (power–voltage) curve, where power is maximum and this point varies with the changing atmospheric conditions. Moreover, energy conversion efficiency of PV module is very low and mismatch between source and load characteristics causes significant power losses. Consequently, maximization of power output with greater efficiency is extremely important. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is a technique employed to extract maximum power available from the PV module. It traces the PV operating voltage corresponding to the MPP and locks the operating point at MPP and extract maximum power from the array. Till date, many algorithms for MPPT have been reported, each with its own features. In this paper, a comprehensive presentation of working principle of these techniques is made and they are compared against each other in terms of some critical parameters like: number of variables used, complexity, accuracy, speed, hardware implementation, cost, tracking efficiency and so on. This study is aimed at providing a compendium on MPPT techniques for an appropriate selection, based on application requirements and system constraints.
ISSN:1364-0321
1879-0690
DOI:10.1016/j.rser.2013.02.011