A novel maximum power point tracking method for photovoltaic grid-connected inverters

Abstract

In this paper, a novel maximum power point (MPP) tracking method for photovoltaic grid-connected inverters is proposed. The distinct feature of the proposed MPP tracking algorithm is in using the power injected into the grid as the control lever for maximizing the solar array output power. The proposed MPP tracker does not need the dc/dc converter and the dc voltage support used in the conventional MPP tracking systems to control the output voltage of the solar array in search of the maximum power point. A grid-connected inverter equipped with the proposed MPP tracking system is simulated in detail using a solar array simulator. The simulation results are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed MPP tracking algorithm in drawing maximum power from the solar array at all times while maintaining a high quality injected sinusoidal current as well as unity power factor at the grid interface.