An Integrated Small-Signal Model of Photovoltaic System for MPPT Applications

Abstract

The lack of reliable model of photovoltaic system is a barrier for implementing an efficient maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. In this paper a modeling approach for photovoltaic systems connected to a DC-DC Boost converter operating in continuous conduction mode is proposed for MPPT applications. The proposed model is used to design and tune a gain scheduled PID controller, whose performance is evaluated for three different maximum power point tracking algorithms namely, Perturb and Observe algorithm, Particle Swarm optimization algorithm, and Differential Evolution algorithm through simulations. These evaluations are carried out for both uniform irradiation and partial shading conditions of the photovoltaic system, and also for load disturbances. The obtained results establish the widespread applicability of the proposed model and control system for different MPPT algorithms. The proposed model exhibits potential to decipher the problem with deficiency of unified and reliable model of PV systems for MPPT applications.