Design and simulation of Perturb and observe Maximum Power Point Tracking in MATLAB and Simulink

Abstract

This paper presents the modeling of Photo Voltaic (PV) module using the two different approach using MATLAB/Simulink. The modeling is based on the two diode model of solar cell. Two approaches are used to simulate the PV module, the first is based on the available Simulink library of simscape/simelectronics and second is based on the simulation PV cell current and voltage equations in Simulink environment. The current-voltage (I-V) and Power-Voltage (P-V) characteristics of PV module and significance of each approach is discussed. The inherent nonlinear nature of characteristics is observed. The effect of change in the temperature, sun radiation on the P-V characteristics is observed. The change in Maximum Power Point (MPP) is observed by changing the sun radiation, temperature and other solar cell parameters such as series and shunt resistance. The graphical user interface of system enables any one to analyze the operation of PV module under different environmental conditions and manufacturing specifications. The designed models of PV module could work here as simulator. This work can find its use in implementation of different Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) methods, in which the PV module modelling is necessary. The proposed models can be easily interfaced with the power converter models for designing of entire PV systems. Also the parameters like fill factor and characteristic resistance which are useful for MPPT designing are estimated under varying climate conditions.