Low-cost MPPT for triple-junction solar cells used in nanosatellites: A comparative study between P&O and INC algorithms

Abstract

This paper presents a study of solar panels composed of triple-junction solar cells used in CubeSats; in particular, it focuses on optimizing the power supplied by these panels using the maximum power point tracking technique (MPPT). Optimizing this power is a challenge that is not easily overcome, due to the constraints associated with CubeSats applications, especially in terms of weight, area, budget, as well as the low power generated by these panels which do not exceed 2.4 W at the maximum power point. For all these considerations, both P&O and INC techniques were chosen, since P&O is relatively easy to implement and does not require complex equipment, while INC is known for its high tracking accuracy in difficult environments under fast changing solar conditions, plus the low cost characterizing both techniques, which makes them suitable for CubeSats applications. To select the most appropriate technique for CubeSats applications, a comparative study between both P&O and INC algorithms is performed theoretically using a MATLAB/SIMULINK simulation, followed by a hardware implementation to transfer ideas from theory to practice for realizing the CubeSats power system electronic board since the present study is carried out in the context of a CubeSat application, it focuses on the nanosatellite power system, making it distinct compared to ordinary photovoltaic systems, which have been widely used and studied in previous research in the field of photovoltaics.