An Efficient Maximum-power-point-tracking Controller For Grid-connected Photovoltaic Energy Conversion System

Marcelo G. Molina; Domingo H. Pontoriero; Pedro Enrique Mercado

doi:10.18618/REP.2007.2.147154

Authors

Marcelo G. Molina Argentinean National Research Council for Science and Technology – CONICET https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2617-1460
Domingo H. Pontoriero National University of San Juan – UNSJ
Pedro Enrique Mercado Argentinean National Research Council for Science and Technology – CONICET

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18618/REP.2007.2.147154

Keywords:

Adaptive Duty Cycle Algorithm, Boost Converter, Digital Signal Processor, Maximum Power Point Tracker, Photovoltaic System

Abstract

This paper investigates the effectiveness of the “Perturbation and Observation” (P&O) method and “Incremental Conductance” (IncCond) method through simulations carried out by using SimPowerSystems of MATLAB/Simulink®. Both the steady-state and transient characteristics of each control algorithm are fully analyzed and compared by using a proposed performance index. Finally, a new MPPT control algorithm based on an enhanced incremental conductance method is proposed in order to improve the efficiency of the PV power generation system at different climatic and load conditions. An adaptive duty cycle perturbation step size is made dependent on the sensitivity of the PV array power to the previous perturbation in order to obtain a fast dynamic response and accurate tracking of the MPP. Digital simulations and experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed technique.

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Author Biographies

Marcelo G. Molina, Argentinean National Research Council for Science and Technology – CONICET

was born in San Juan, Argentina, on April 12, 1973. He graduated as Electronic Engineer from the National University of San Juan (UNSJ), Argentina in 1997, and received the Ph.D. degree from the UNSJ in 2004. During 2004, he did part of his doctorate in the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil. Since 2004, Dr. Molina is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering (IEE/UNSJ) and Researcher of the CONICET. His research interests include simulation methods, power systems dynamics and control, power electronics modeling and design, and the application of energy storage in power systems. Dr. Molina is a Member of the IEEE Power Eng. and Power Electronics Societies.

Domingo H. Pontoriero, National University of San Juan – UNSJ

was born in San Juan, Argentina, on November 3, 1954. He graduated as Electromechanical Engineer from the UNSJ, Argentina in 1980. Eng. Pontoriero is currently Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at the UNSJ and Researcher of the IEE/UNSJ. His research activities focus on dynamic simulation, power electronics, photovoltaic energy conversion systems and control of electric power systems.

Pedro Enrique Mercado, Argentinean National Research Council for Science and Technology – CONICET

was born in San Juan, Argentina, on August 26, 1953. He graduated as electromechanical engineer from the UNSJ, and received his Ph.D. from the Aachen University of Technology, Germany. Dr. Mercado is currently Professor of Electrical Engineering at the UNSJ and Researcher of the CONICET. His research activities focus on dynamic simulation, operation security, power electronics, economic operation and control of electric power systems. Dr. Mercado is a Senior Member of the IEEE Power Engineering Society.

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