Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for photovoltaic systems

Abstract

The solar energy have become a challenging area among other renewable energy sources (RESs) since the photovoltaic (PV) systems have the advantages of not causing pollution, having low maintenance, and long-lasting operation life. Besides these advantages, a PV system has several drawbacks such as considerably higher installation cost comparing some other RESs, and limited efficiency ranges between 9–18%. The feasibility analyses have a great role in order to determine the most appropriate plant site before installation. On the other hand, the operating analyses and improvements based on maximum power point tracking (MPPT) are quite important to increase the harvested total energy. The intermittent characteristic and perturbing power curve of a PV module is one of the most important defects that should be tackled to increase the generation efficiency. The power-voltage (P-V) and current-voltage (I-V) curves are main efficiency indicators of a PV system that exhibit nonlinear characteristics in its natural structure. Furthermore, the generated maximum power with a PV panel depends on two main quantities of temperature and irradiation. However, it is possible to increase the generated power up to maximum rates by MPPT algorithms. This chapter introduces most widely used algorithms respecting to their implementation and utilization properties. The indirect, direct, and computational methods are presented considering their advantages and disadvantages. The conventional and novel algorithms are explained with flowcharts and analytical details in order to provide clear comparison. The artificial methods are expressed in the last section where fuzzy logic, artificial intelligence, and optimization-based approaches are discussed.