A Feasible MPPT Algorithm for the DC/DC Boost Converter: An Applied Case for Stand-Alone Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

One of the most promising forms of renewable energy is solar energy. However, efficient exploitation of this energy form is a topic of great interest, especially in obtaining the maximum amount of power from the solar photovoltaic (PV) system under changing environmental conditions. To solve this problem, it is necessary to propose an optimal algorithm. Therefore, this paper presents a feasible maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique for DC/DC boost converters applied in load-connected stand-alone PV systems to extract the maximum available power. This proposed method is based on the combination of the modified perturb and observe (P&O) and fractional open circuit voltage (FOCV) algorithms. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is verified via time-domain simulation of the load-connected stand-alone PV system using PSIM software. The simulation results show a tracking efficiency with an average value of 99.85%, 99.87%, and 99.96% for tracking the MPP under varying loads, irradiation, and simultaneously varying temperature, load, and irradiation, respectively. In addition, tracking time is always stable at 0.02 sec for changing weather conditions in the large range. Therefore, the results of the proposed method indicate advantages compared to the conventional method.