Harvesting Maximum Power from Mismatch Module of PV System Using PO Buck-Boost Converter

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation and laboratory test of Photovoltaic (PV) module incorporated with Positive Output (PO) Buck-Boost Converter for harnessing maximum energy from the solar PV module. The main intention is to invent a system which can harvest maximum power point (MPP) energy of the PV system in string-connection. The model-based design of the controller and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for the system were implemented using MATLAB SIMULINK software. For laboratory execution, the digital microcontroller of dsPIC30F digital signal controller (DSC) was used to control the prototype of PO buck-boost converter. The code generation via MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE) from model-based design was embedded into the dsPIC30F using the SKds40A target board and PICkit 3 circuit debugger. The system was successfully simulated and verified by simulation and laboratory evaluations. A physical two PV module of PV-MF120EC3 Mitsubishi Electric is modeled in string connection to represent a mismatch module. While in laboratory process, a string-connection of 10W and 5W PV module is implemented for the mismatch module condition.