Modulated Perturb and Observe Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Solar PV Energy Conversion System

Abstract

In this work, a Modulated Perturb and Observe (MoPO) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm is proposed for the solar PV array, where a uniform solar irradiance on solar PV array is considered. For MPPT on solar PV array, several techniques have been proposed, where the most popular technique is ‘Perturb and Observe (P&O)' MPPT technique. However, there are issues with P&O MPPT technique like fix step change, the oscillation in the steady-state condition and large tracking duration during dynamic change condition. In this paper, these issues are mitigated by using a modulated step change, which shrinks the size during the steady-state condition for reducing the oscillation and expands the size during dynamic irradiance change condition to quickly capture the new MPP (Maximum Power Point). The performance of MoPO MPPT technique is evaluated on different types of solar irradiance condition, as well as its dominance over the state of the art techniques is proved through a comparative study with classical P&O MPPT technique.