The most used MPPT algorithms: Review and the suitable low-cost embedded board for each algorithm

Abstract

In order to increase the production of photovoltaic-based cleaner energy, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller was employed. Because different MPPT algorithms have been adduced in the literature, it is mandatory to compare and differentiate them to select the most adequate MPPT for a particular application or to make suggestions for future research regarding MPPT. This paper reviews (extensively) the most used MPPT algorithms. They are classified into three groups: (1) direct, such as hill climbing (HC), perturb and observe (P&O), and incremental conductance (INC); (2) indirect, namely fractional short-circuit current (FSCC), Fractional Open-Circuit Voltage (FOCV), and pilot cell and (3); soft computing methods such as a Kalman filter, fuzzy logic control (FLC), neural network, partial swarm optimization (PSO), ant colony optimization (ACO), artificial bee colony (ABC), bat algorithm and hybrid PSO-FLC. A detailed principle of operation and the merits and downsides of each method are discussed. Also, the distributed MPPT and other MPPT methods are briefly presented. Finally, a recommendation of the most well-suited embedded board for the implementation of each method is presented and discussed. To complete these objectives, this manuscript focuses solely on the low-cost embedded board.