MPPT Algorithm Based on PV Cell Temperature, Using Open Circuit Voltage Measurement, Combined With PV Cell Cooling

Abstract

As an increase of Photovoltaic (PV) cell temperature originates a negative effect, the application of a PV cell cooling system allows a performance improvement. Therefore, the present work aims to investigate the performance of a PV module transformed into a Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) module, producing electrical and thermal energy simultaneously, while concurrently establishing a cooling system for the PV cells. The PV conversion efficiency is affected by modifications of the operation conditions particularly the ones concerning PV cell temperature and radiation due to the displacement of the system Maximum Power Point (MPP). In the present work the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is performed using an algorithm based exclusively on PV cell temperature information with the particularity that the temperature measurements are perform without the use of any temperature sensors. The studied system performance is compared to a conventional PV using the same MPPT algorithm. The results show that the cooling system associated to the MPPT temperature based algorithm provides a bigger energy output leading to higher economic savings. In addition, it can help simplifying the MPPT algorithm by allowing the use of slower dynamic.