Assessment of a proposed hybrid photovoltaic array maximum power point tracking method

Abstract

Photovoltaic arrays have limited conversion efficiency and thus, a maximum power point tracking technique is essential. This makes the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) require prior prediction of the mentioned point in spite of the undeniable changes in the environment. In this manuscript an introduction and assessment of the different techniques of MPPT is presented. The categorization scheme of the MPPT techniques is according to either the predefinition of operating points without system data update (offline methods) or continuous sampling of system variables, to update the PV module measurements (online methods). Whereas hybrid method is a combination of both. A number of techniques from each class were simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment in order to compare their performance. Moreover, the hybrid method was simulated in two successive steps without pre-assumption of the output of the offline method. The results demonstrated the relevance of the hybrid method when applied to a photovoltaic system due to its good performance, fast response and less fluctuations, when subjected to sudden climatic changes.