A novel robust maximum power extraction framework for sustainable PV system using incremental conductance based MRAC technique

Abstract

AbstractThis study proposes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approach with two components: an Incremental Conductance (INC) MPPT for reference voltage regulation and a Model Reference Adaptive Controller (MRAC) for adjusting the duty cycle of the DC‐DC converter switch. A robustness test is performed on the system considering real‐world situations that involve an abrupt change in atmospheric conditions with load uncertainties. The probabilistic load distribution analysis is accomplished through levels of uncertainty (i.e., Probabilistic DOWN and UP) to guarantee the operation of the proposed INC‐MRAC controller while generating unexpected disturbances in the system. Using MATLAB/Simulink, the performances of the novel INC‐MRAC MPPT are comparatively analyzed with PO, INC, VSSPO, and ANN under realistic case studies in seven states. After comparative analysis, it is evident that the proposed MPPT offers less tracking time, i.e., 3.8 ms, to track maximum power point (MPP) with negligible steady‐state oscillation and ripples. It is about 3, 7, 9, and 10 times faster than ANN, VSSPO, INC and PO, respectively. Moreover, the tracking efficiency of the proposed controller is up to 99.63% as well as overall efficiency of the system is more than 98%. The tracking power loss and error rate in finding MPP for the proposed controller is the lowest among all state‐of‐the‐art MPPT approaches. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed INC‐MRAC approach is experimentally validated by employing a real‐time simulator OPAL‐RT (OP4510). The study helps in environmental protection and participation in sustainable development.