Parasitic Effects on the Performance of DC-DC SEPIC in Photovoltaic Maximum Power Point Tracking Applications

This paper presents an analysis of the effect of parasitic resistances on the performance of DC-DC Single Ended Pri- mary Inductor Converter (SEPIC) in photovoltaic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) applications. The energy storage elements incorporated in the SEPIC converter possess parasitic resistances. Although ideal components significantly simplifies model development, but neglecting the parasitic effects in models may sometimes lead to failure in predicting first scale stability and actual performance. Therefore, the effects of parasitics have been taken into consideration for improving the model accuracy, stability, robustness and dynamic performance analysis of the converter. Detail mathematical model of SEPIC converter including inductive parasitic has been developed. The performance of the converter in tracking MPP at different irradiance levels has been analyzed for variation in parasitic resistance. The converter efficiency has been found above 83% for insolation level of 600 W/m2 when the parasitic resistance in the energy storage element has been ignored. However, as the parasitic resistance of both of the inductor has increased to 1 ohm, a fraction of the power managed by the converter has dissipated;as a result the efficiency of the converter has reduced to 78% for the same insolation profile. Although the increasing value of the parasitic has assisted the converter to converge quickly to reach the maximum power point. Furthermore it has also been observed that the peak to peak load current ripple is reduced. The obtained simulation results have validated the competent of the MPPT converter model.

Probabilistic Global Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Continuously Varying Partial Shading Conditions on Autonomous PV Systems

A photovoltaic (PV) string with multiple modules with bypass diodes frequently deployed on a variety of autonomous PV systems may present multiple power peaks under uneven shading. For optimal solar harvesting, there is a need for a control schema to force the PV string to operate at global maximum power point (GMPP). While a lot of tracking methods have been proposed in the literature, they are usually complex and do not fully take advantage of the available characteristics of the PV array. This work highlights how the voltage at operating point and the forward voltage of the bypass diode are considered to design a global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT) algorithm with a very limited global search phase called Fast GMPPT. This algorithm successfully tracks GMPP between 94% and 98% of the time under a theoretical evaluation. It is then compared against Perturb and Observe, Deterministic Particle Swarm Optimization, and Grey Wolf Optimization under a sequence of irradiance steps as well as a power-over-voltage characteristics profile that mimics the electrical characteristics of a PV string under varying partial shading conditions. Overall, the simulation with the sequence of irradiance steps shows that while Fast GMPPT does not have the best convergence time, it has an excellent convergence rate as well as causes the least amount of power loss during the global search phase. Experimental test under varying partial shading conditions shows that while the GMPPT proposal is simple and lightweight, it is very performant under a wide range of dynamically varying partial shading conditions and boasts the best energy efficiency (94.74%) out of the 4 tested algorithms.

Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Using Neural Networks for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

The employment of maximum power point tracking techniques in the photovoltaic power systems is well known and even of immense importance. There are various techniques to track the maximum power point reported in several literatures. In such context, there is an increasing interest in developing a more appropriate and effective maximum power point tracking control methodology to ensure that the photovoltaic arrays guarantee as much of their available output power as possible to the load for any temperature and solar radiation levels. In this paper, theoretical details of the work, carried out to develop and implement a maximum power point tracking controller using neural networks for a stand-alone photovoltaic system, are presented. Attention has been also paid to the command of the power converter to achieve maximum power point tracking. Simulations results, using Matlab/Simulink software, presented for this approach under rapid variation of insolation and temperature conditions, confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method both in terms of efficiency and fast response time. Negligible oscillations around the maximum power point and easy implementation are the main advantages of the proposed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control method.

Overview of Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Methods for PV Systems

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers play an important role in photovoltaic systems. They maximize the output power of a PV array for a given set of conditions. This paper presents an overview of the different MPPT techniques. Each technique is evaluated on its ability to detect multiple maxima, convergence speed, ease of implementation, efficiency over a wide output power range, and cost of implementation. The perturbation and observation (P & O), and incremental conductance (IC) algorithms are widely used techniques, with many variants and optimization techniques reported. For this reason, this paper evaluates the performance of these two common approaches from a dynamic and steady state perspective.

Robust <i>H</i>_∞Observer-Based Tracking Control for the Photovoltaic Pumping System

In this paper, we propose a H∞ robust observer-based control DC motor based on a photovoltaic pumping system. Maximum power point tracking is achieved via an algorithm using Perturb and Observe method, with array voltage and current being used to generate the reference voltage which should be the PV panel’s operating voltage to get maximum available power. A Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) observer has been proposed and designed with non-measurable premise variables and the conditions of stability are given in terms of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI). The simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.

Maximum Power Point Tracking Using the Incremental Conductance Algorithm for PV Systems Operating in Rapidly Changing Environmental Conditions

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an important process in Photovoltaic (PV) systems because of the need to extract maximum power from PV panels used in these systems. Without the ability to track and have PV panels operate at its maximum power point (MPP) entails power losses;resulting in high cost since more panels will be required to provide specified energy needs. To achieve high efficiency and low cost, MPPT has therefore become an imperative in PV systems. In this study, an MPP tracker is modeled using the IC algorithm and its behavior under rapidly changing environmental conditions of temperature and irradiation levels is investigated. This algorithm, based on knowledge of the variation of the conductance of PV cells and the operating point with respect to the voltage and current of the panel calculates the slope of the power characteristics to determine the MPP as the peak of the curve. A simple circuit model of the DC-DC boost converter connected to a PV panel is used in the simulation;and the output of the boost converter is fed through a 3-phase inverter to an electricity grid. The model was simulated and tested using MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the IC algorithm for tracking the MPP in PV systems operating under rapidly changing temperatures and irradiations with a settling time of 2 seconds.

Comparative assessment of maximum power point tracking procedures for photovoltaic systems

The fast growing demands and increasing awareness for the environment, PV systems are being rapidly installed for numerous applications.However, one of the important challenges in utilizing a PV source is the maximum power harnessing using various maximum power point tracking techniques available. With the large number of MPPT techniques, each having some merits and demerits, confusion is always there for their proper selection. Discussion on various proposed procedures for maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic array has been done. Based on different parameters analysis of MPPT techniques is carried out. This assessment will serve as a suitable reference for selection, understanding different ways and means of MPPT.

Comprehensive review and performance evaluation of maximum power point tracking algorithms for photovoltaic system

A photovoltaic array is environmentally friendly and a source of unlimited energy generation.However,it is presently a costlier energy generation system than other non-renewable energy sources.The main reasons are seasonal variations and continuously changing weather conditions,which affect the amount of solar energy received by the solar panels.In addition,the non-linear characteristics of the voltage and current outputs along with the operating environment temperature and variation in the solar radiation decrease the energy conversion capability of the photovoltaic arrays.To address this problem,the global maxima of the PV arrays can be tracked using a maximum power point tracking algorithm(MPPT)and the operating point of the photovoltaic system can be forced to its optimum value.This technique increases the efficiency of the photovoltaic array and minimizes the cost of the system by reducing the number of solar modules required to obtain the desired power.However,the tracking algorithms are not equally effective in all areas of application.Therefore,selecting the correct MPPT is very critical.This paper presents a detailed review and comparison of the MPPT techniques for photovoltaic systems,with consideration of the following key parameters:photovoltaic array dependence,type of system(analog or digital),need for periodic tuning,convergence speed,complexity of the system,global maxima,implemented capacity,and sensed parameter(s).In addition,based on real meteorological data(irradiance and temperature at a site located in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia),a simulation is performed to evaluate the performance of tracking algorithms suitable for the application being studied.Finally,the study clearly validates the considerable energy saving achieved by using these algorithms.

Maximum Power Point Tracking With Fractional Order High Pass Filter for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC) is widely recognized as a potentially renewable and green energy source based on hydrogen. Maximum power point tracking(MPPT) is one of the most important working conditions to be considered. In order to improve the performance such as convergence and robustness under disturbance and uncertainty,a fractional order high pass filter(FOHPF) is applied for the MPPT controller design based on the traditional extremum seeking control(ESC). The controller is designed with integerorder integrator(IO-I) and low pass filter(IO-LPF) together with fractional order high pass filter(FOHPF), by substituting the normal HPF in the original ESC system. With this FOHPF ESC,better convergence and smoother performance are achieved while maintaining the robust specifications. First, tracking stability is discussed under the commensurate-order condition. Then,simulation results are included to validate the proposed new FOHPF ESC scheme under disturbance. Finally, comparison results between FOHPF ESC and the traditional ESC method are also provided.

Maximum Power Point Tracking in Variable Speed Wind Turbine Based on Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator Using Maximum Torque Sliding Mode Control Strategy

The present study was carried out in order to track the maximum power point in a variable speed turbine by minimizing electromechanical torque changes using a sliding mode control strategy. In this strategy, first, the rotor speed is set at an optimal point for different wind speeds. As a result of which, the tip speed ratio reaches an optimal point, mechanical power coefficient is maximized, and wind turbine produces its maximum power and mechanical torque. Then, the maximum mechanical torque is tracked using electromechanical torque. In this technique, tracking error integral of maximum mechanical torque, the error, and the derivative of error are used as state variables. During changes in wind speed, sliding mode control is designed to absorb the maximum energy from the wind and minimize the response time of maximum power point tracking(MPPT). In this method, the actual control input signal is formed from a second order integral operation of the original sliding mode control input signal. The result of the second order integral in this model includes control signal integrity, full chattering attenuation, and prevention from large fluctuations in the power generator output. The simulation results, calculated by using MATLAB/m-file software, have shown the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy for wind energy systems based on the permanent magnet synchronous generator(PMSG).

Variable Parameter Nonlinear Control for Maximum Power Point Tracking Considering Mitigation of Drive-train Load

Since mechanical loads exert a significant influence on the life span of wind turbines, the reduction of transient load on drive-train shaft has received more attention when implementing a maximum power point tracking(MPPT) controller.Moreover, a trade-off between the efficiency of wind energy extraction and the load level of drive-train shaft becomes a key issue. However, for the existing control strategies based on nonlinear model of wind turbines, the MPPT efficiencies are improved at the cost of the intensive fluctuation of generator torque and significant increase of transient load on drive train shaft. Hence, in this paper, a nonlinear controller with variable parameter is proposed for improving MPPT efficiency and mitigating transient load on drive-train simultaneously. Then,simulations on FAST(Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence) code and experiments on the wind turbine simulator(WTS) based test bench are presented to verify the efficiency improvement of the proposed control strategy with less cost of drive-train load.

Maximum power point tracking of a photovoltaic energy system using neural fuzzy techniques

In order to improve the output efficiency of a photovoltaic （PV） energy system, the real-time maximum power point （MPP） of the PV array should be tracked closely. The non-linear and time-variant characteristics of the photovoltaic array and the non-linear and non-minimum phase characteristics of a boost converter make it difficult to track the MPP as in traditional control strategies. A neural fuzzy controller （NFC） in conjunction with the reasoning capability of fuzzy logical systems and the learning capability of neural networks is proposed to track the MPP in this paper. A gradient estimator based on a radial basis function neural network is developed to provide the reference information to the NFC. With a derived learning algorithm, the parameters of the NFC are updated adaptively. Experimental results show that, compared with the fuzzy logic control algorithm, the proposed control algorithm provides much better tracking performance.

基于多策略混合改进MVO算法的光伏多峰MPPT研究

光伏阵列的电功率输出在局部遮荫工况下具有多峰特性,且随外界环境的变化而变化.为实现高效电能输出,利用多元宇宙优化(MVO)算法在解决低维度、小规模优化问题中的突出优势进行最大功率点跟踪(MPPT),并融合多种策略对其存在的缺陷进行改进.采用拉丁超立方抽样策略初始化宇宙种群,并对按照轮盘赌策略随机交换的宇宙实施柯西变异,提高宇宙种群的多样性.同时引入莱维飞行式量子粒子群优化(QPSO)算法,且对虫洞存在概率及旅行距离率进行自适应调整,以增强算法的全局勘探及局部开发能力.Matlab仿真结果表明,相比其他算法,采用该算法的MPPT时间减少了45%以上,精度亦有所提高,从而具有更优的MPPT性能,可有效提高光伏发电效率.

On maximum power point tracking control strategy for variable speed constant frequency wind power generation

Based on the characteristic of AC-excited variable speed constant frequency(VSCF)wind power generation,the vector control technique was applied in a doubly fed induction generator(DFIG).Maximum wind energy or maximum output power point can be tracked by decoupling control of active power and reactive power.The research result shows that the net power of generation system delivered to grid in maximum wind energy tracking mode is not the most.We presented a novel maximum power point tracking(MPPT)control strategy by analyzing the DFIG mathematic model and power relations which delivered the maximum power to the grid.The maximum power point could be tracked automatically without measuring wind speed in the control strategy and the control was independent of optimal turbine power curve,which had excellent dynamic and static performances and robustness.Simulation and experimental results testify the accuracy and validity of the control strategy.

Research on the MPPT of Photovoltaic Power Generation Based on Improved WOA and P&O under Partial Shading Conditions

Partial shading conditions(PSCs)caused by uneven illumination become one of the most common problems in photovoltaic(PV)systems,which can make the PV power-voltage(P-V)characteristics curve show multi-peaks.Traditional maximum power point tracking(MPPT)methods have shortcomings in tracking to the global maximum power point(GMPP),resulting in a dramatic decrease in output power.In order to solve the above problems,intelligent algorithms are used in MPPT.However,the existing intelligent algorithms have some disadvantages,such as slow convergence speed and large search oscillation.Therefore,an improved whale algorithm(IWOA)combined with the P&O(IWOA-P&O)is proposed for the MPPT of PV power generation in this paper.Firstly,IWOA is used to track the range interval of the GMPP,and then P&O is used to accurately find the MPP in that interval.Compared with other algorithms,simulation results show that this method has an average tracking efficiency of 99.79%and an average tracking time of 0.16 s when tracking GMPP.Finally,experimental verification is conducted,and the results show that the proposed algorithm has better MPPT performance compared to popular particle swarm optimization(PSO)and PSO-P&O algorithms.

Improved MPPT Control Based on the Reduction of Tracking Range

考虑到基于转矩调整的改进方法存在难以获取最优调整状态的问题，该文针对传统功率曲线法提出收缩风机转速的跟踪区间、减小跟踪路程的改进思路，以优化风机最大功率点跟踪的性能。在此基础上，设计出根据平均风速，周期性的调整起始发电转速的改进功率曲线法。其设计机理在于风速平均值恰好反映了风速及风能量集中分布的区间。因此，最优转速跟踪区间与平均风速存在数量上的直接关系而变得容易预估，且无需迭代搜索。与目前基于调整转矩的改进方法相比，该文所提方法不仅提高了风能捕获效率，且简单易行。最后，通过对模拟风速序列的仿真计算与比较分析，验证了该方法的有效性和先进性。

Power Maximization and Control of Variable-Speed Wind Turbine System Using Extremum Seeking

Maximizing the power capture is an important issue to the turbines that are installed in low wind speed area. In this paper, we focused on the modeling and control of variable speed wind turbine that is composed of two-mass drive train, a Squirrel Cage Induction Generator (SCIG), and voltage source converter control by Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SPVWM). To achieve Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), the reference speed to the generator is searched via Extremum Seeking Control (ESC). ESC was designed for wind turbine region II operation based on dither-modulation scheme. ESC is a model-free method that has the ability to increase the captured power in real time under turbulent wind without any requirement for wind measurements. The controller is designed in two loops. In the outer loop, ESC is used to set a desired reference speed to PI controller to regulate the speed of the generator and extract the maximum electrical power. The inner control loop is based on Indirect Field Orientation Control (IFOC) to decouple the currents. Finally, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to obtain the optimal PI parameters. Simulation and control of the system have been accomplished using MATLAB/Simulink 2014.

Adaptive perturb and observe maximum power point tracking with current predictive and decoupled power control for gridconnected photovoltaic inverters

In order to improve maximum power point tracking(MPPT) performance, a variable and adaptive perturb and observe(P&O)method with current predictive control is proposed. This is applied in three-phase threelevel neutral-point clamped(NPC) photovoltaic(PV)generation systems. To control the active power and the reactive power independently,the decoupled power control combined with a space vector modulation block is adopted for three-phase NPC inverters in PV generation systems.To balance the neutral-point voltage of the three-phase NPC grid-connected inverter, a proportional and integral control is used by adj usting the dwell time of small voltage vectors. A three-phase NPC inverter rated at 12 kVA was established. The performance of the proposed method was tested and compared with the fixed perturbation MPPT algorithm under different conditions. Experimental results confirm the feasibility and advantages of the proposed method.