Modeling and Simulation of Modified MPPT Techniques under Varying Operating Climatic Conditions

Abstract

Enhancing the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems has recently become a key concern because of the market demand for green energy. To obtain the most possible power from the solar module, it is imperative to allow the PV system to operate at its maximum power point (MPP) regardless of the climatic conditions. In this study, a comparison of distinctive Maximum Power-Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques is provided, which are Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Modified Variable Step-Size P&O, as well as Incremental Conductance (INC) and Modified Variable Step-Size INC, using a boost converter for two types of solar panels. Using MATLAB software, simulations have been performed to assess the efficiency of the solar module under several environmental conditions, standard test conditions (STCs), and sudden and ramp variations in both solar irradiance and temperature. The output power efficiency, time response, and steady-state power oscillations have all been taken into account in this study. The simulation results of the improved algorithms demonstrate an enhancement in the PV module performance over conventional algorithms in many factors including steady-state conditions, tracking time, and converter efficiency. Furthermore, a boost in the dynamic response in monitoring the MPP is observed in a variety of climatical circumstances. Moreover, the proposed P&O MPPT algorithm is implemented in a hardware system and the experimental results verified the effectiveness, regarding both fast-tracking speed and lower oscillations, of the proposed Variable Step-Size P&O algorithm and its superiority over the conventional P&O technique.