Abstract
The perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm is one of the most commonly utilized maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control schemes for photovoltaic (PV) generators. However, the operation of this algorithm at high perturbation frequencies, when the system response to MPPT perturbations is never allowed to settle, has not been given adequate attention in the literature. This paper characterizes system behavior in this mode of operation for standalone PV systems feeding resistive loads and motor-pump loads. Simulation and experimental results show that the P&O algorithm operating at a high perturbation frequency may offer higher energy utilization efficiency and better system performance, despite the resulting nonperiodic waveforms of the system.
Highlights
A NUMBER of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms with different levels of complexity, efficiency, and implementation costs, have been proposed in the literature for standalone and grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) applications
At a small increase in implementation cost, the energy utilization efficiency can be significantly improved by employing the perturb and observe (P&O) MPPT technique
For the experimental system under investigation, the energy utilization efficiency of the MPPT algorithm was calculated by dividing the integral of the PV array power by the integral of the maximum possible power output calculated at the same weather conditions [6], [8], [21]
Summary
A NUMBER of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms with different levels of complexity, efficiency, and implementation costs, have been proposed in the literature for standalone and grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) applications. Due to the continuous perturbations of the P&O algorithm, system waveforms fluctuate around their MPP values even if solar irradiance and cell temperature are constant These usually fluctuate between three levels in the steady state when the perturbation frequency is low and the step size is high [8], [18]. The steady-state oscillations can be reduced by using lower step sizes This slows down the starting transient of the MPPT algorithm as well as the response of the system to irradiance and temperature changes [7]–[10]. This paper investigates the operating characteristics of the P&O algorithm when employed with the direct duty ratio perturbation technique at a high perturbation rate. The results presented in this paper show that the algorithm may give better energy utilization when operated at high perturbation frequencies
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