Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology for PV Systems: Current Status and Perspectives

Maximum power point tracking(MPPT)technology plays a key role in improving the energy conversion efficiency of photovoltaic(PV)systems,especially when multiple local maximum power points(LMPPs)occur under partial shading conditions(PSC).It is necessary to modify the operating point efficiently and accurately with the help of MPPT technology to maximize the collected power.Even though a lot of research has been carried out and impressive progress achieved for MPPT technology,it still faces some challenges and dilemmas.Firstly,the mathematical model established for PV cells is not precise enough.Second,the existing algorithms are often optimized for specific conditions and lack comprehensive adaptability to the actual operating environment.Besides,a single algorithm may not be able to give full play to its advantages.In the end,the selection criteria for choosing the suitable MPPT algorithm/converter combination to achieve better performance in a given scenario is very limited.Therefore,this paper systematically discusses the current research status and challenges faced by PV MPPT technology around the three aspects of MPPT models,algorithms,and hardware implementation.Through in-depth thinking and discussion,it also puts forward positive perspectives on future development,and five forward-looking solutions to improve the performance of PV systems MPPT are suggested.

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.

PV Capacity Evaluation Using ASTM E2848: Techniques for Accuracy and Reliability in Bifacial Systems

A variety of test methodologies are commonly used to assess if a photovoltaic system can perform in line with expectations generated by a computer simulation. One of the commonly used methodologies across the PV industry is an ASTM E2848. ASTM E2848-13, 2023 test method provides measurement and analysis procedures for determining the capacity of a specific photovoltaic system built in a particular place and in operation under natural sunlight. This test method is mainly used for acceptance testing of newly installed photovoltaic systems, reporting of DC or AC system performance, and monitoring of photovoltaic system performance. The purpose of the PV Capacity Test and modeled energy test is to verify that the integrated system formed from all components of the PV Project has a production capacity that achieves the Guaranteed Capacity and the Guaranteed modeled AEP under measured weather conditions that occur when each PV Capacity Test is conducted. In this paper, we will be discussing ASTM E2848 PV Capacity test plan purpose and scope, methodology, Selection of reporting conditions (RC), data requirements, calculation of results, reporting, challenges, acceptance criteria on pass/fail test results, Cure period, and Sole remedy for EPC contractors for bifacial irradiance.

Numerical Assessment of the Thermal Efficiency of a Concentrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (CPV/T) Hybrid System Using Air as Heat Transfer Fluid

In this paper, we propose a thermal model of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal concentration system. Starting from the thermal balance of the model, the equation is solved and simulated with a MATLAB code, considering air as the cooling fluid. This enabled us to evaluate some of the parameters influencing the electrical and thermal performance of this device. The results showed that the temperature, thermal efficiency and electrical efficiency delivered depend on the air mass flow rate. The electrical and thermal efficiencies for different values of air mass flow are encouraging, and demonstrate the benefits of cooling photovoltaic cells. The results show that thermal efficiency decreases air flow rate greater than 0.7 kg/s, whatever the value of the light concentration used. The thermal efficiency of the solar cell increases as the light concentration increases, whatever the air flow rate used. For a concentration equal to 30 sun, the thermal efficiency is 0.16 with an air flow rate equal to 0.005 kg/s;the thermal efficiency increases to 0.19 with an air flow rate equal to 0.1 kg/s at the same concentration. An interesting and useful finding was that the proposed numerical model allows the determination of the electrical as well as thermal efficiency of the hybrid CPV/T with air flow as cooling fluid.

Optimal Configuration for Design of Stand-Alone PV System

This paper presents a design for a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system to provide the required electricity for a single residential household in rural area in Jordan. The complete design steps for the suggested household loads are carried out. Site radiation data and the electrical load data of a typical household in the considered site are taken into account during the design steps. The reliability of the system is quantified by the loss of load probability. A computer program is developed to simulate the PV system behavior and to numerically find an optimal combination of PV array and battery bank for the design of stand-alone photovoltaic systems in terms of reliability and costs. The program calculates life cycle cost and annualized unit electrical cost. Simulations results showed that a value of loss of load probability LLP can be met by several combinations of PV array and battery storage. The method developed here uniquely determines the optimum configuration that meets the load demand with the minimum cost. The difference between the costs of these combinations is very large. The optimal unit electrical cost of 1 kWh for LLP = 0.049 is $0.293;while for LLP 0.0027 it is $0.402. The results of the study encouraged the use of the PV systems to electrify the remote sites in Jordan.

A Case Study to Determine Optimal Capacity of a Stand-Alone Wind/PV/Battery System

In this paper, a stand-alone hybrid microgrid consisting of wind turbines, photovoltaic (PV) arrays and storage battery banks is developed for use in Qinghai Province, China. With the help of Software Homer and Matlab, different variables such as annual average wind speed, annual average load demand, and annual capacity shortage are considered. The net present value is then used during an entire project lifetime for the optimization solution.

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.

An Augmented Jacobian Method for Power Flow Analysis of Weakly Looped Distribution Systems with PV Buses

A power flow analysis method for weakly looped distribution systems with PV buses is proposed in this paper. The proposed method is computationally more efficient and more robust compared with the conventional compensation methods. The robustness is achieved by embedding the boundary conditions of loops and PV buses into the Jacobian matrix. The computational efficiency is achieved by the carefully designed factorization of Jacobian matrix. Test results on a 33 bus system are presented.

基于TRNSYS的扁平热管PV/T系统性能优化

基于太阳能技术现状分析,将太阳能光伏组件与扁平式热管高效结合,提出新型扁平热管PV/T系统.为实现该系统综合效率最大化,结合TRNSYS仿真,开展试验并进行优化分析.结果表明,安装扁平热管后夏季热水温度从原来的51.1℃升高到57.3℃,提高了12.1%,冬季热水温度从47.6℃升高到55.2℃,提高了15.9%.夏季系统的综合效率提高了4.7%、冬季系统的综合效率提高了4.8%.可以得出结论扁平热管对PV/T空调系统性能的优化效果明显,也为该技术在建筑领域的应用提供了依据.

Some Remarks about the Deployment of Floating PV Systems in Brazil

Floating photovoltaic systems installed in water bodies such as natural lakes or dams reservoirs, have attracted increased worldwide attention since 2011 and have already been deployed in several countries, including Japan, South Korea and USA. In Brazil, pilot-projects were announced in the reservoirs of hydroelectric power plants of Balbina （State of Amazonas） and Sobradinho （State of Bahia）. Several advantages, not necessarily valid in Brazil, are mentioned for deploying this kind of technology, such as an increase in energy generation, reduction of water losses through evaporation, low environmental impact, no occupation of land etc. In this article, several of these allegations are analyzed preliminarily under the Brazilian point of view, and relevant considerations are presented. It is concluded that the technical and economic advantages of floating photovoltaic systems are not yet clear in Brazil and that pilot projects, such as those under way, should be used to clarify several important aspects related to them.

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.

太阳能PV/T+相变能与直蒸式水源热泵供热(冷)系统特性分析

为解决河北农村建筑清洁供暖问题和太阳能利用具有不稳定性问题,设计了太阳能PV/T+相变能与直蒸式水源热泵供热(冷)系统进行实验研究。实验结果表明,冬季典型日系统发电量为4.453kWh,制热系数COP平均值3.41;夏季典型日系统发电量为5.945kWh,制冷系数EER平均值3.2;将发电量用于系统运行,制热系数COP为4.22,制冷系数EER为4.19,分别提高了23.75%和30.12%;夏季单纯PV/T太阳能电池发电量5.537kWh,本系统的发电量提高了7.37%。该系统经济效益高,运行稳定,是一种实现河北农村清洁供暖有效途径。

Real-Time Performance Assessment of Operating Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

A technology called solar energy is a very promising technique, and is considered as the cleanest and the most abundant renewable resource that is naturally available every day. In this paper, a MATLAB environment has been developed to calculate real-time power incidence on a PV system. It takes into account the time, location, PV tilt, and azimuth angles, and weather conditions to estimate incident power. In this paper, one case study is considered at New York State location. It has been applied to a newly installed 8 kW residential system located in Inwood. The solar panels are made up of silicon HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer) cells by Panasonic and solar cell rated at 19%. The result shows that the system is performing at its rated efficiency. The calculations involve the determination of direct, diffused and reflected radiation on the panels taking into account the time of the day, location, PV area, and orientations and weather conditions. The cloudiness index may be estimated based on the weather data and included in the calculations. After performing the irradiance calculations, the output power is estimated based on the rated efficiency at its temperature and compared with the generated output power. The real-time assessment of a PV system performance, during the operational time monitors the health of the PV system. The data obtained by this calculator may accompany production data provided to the consumer by the utility company.

New Design and Architecture of a Smart Tracker： Flexible and Scalable for PV and CSP Systems

This work proposes a new design and architecture of a flexible biaxial solar tracker. A new approach was adopted with the use of a two separated cards, the smart and power card in a scalable concept. This module allows a more saving of energy in comparison with the fixed systems for PV （photovoltaic） application and allows hire performances for CSP （concentrated solar power） systems. It provides a significant added value for higher power applications in comparison with the existing system. The developed sun tracking system is autonomous, flexible, scalable and low cost system.

Modeling and Optimization of Stand-Alone Hybrid Power System : a Case Study for a Household in Urumqi,China

In order to alleviate environmental pollution of Urumqi,China,a stand-alone hybrid wind / PV / battery power system was studied for this region. An accurate structure and model of the standalone hybrid wind / PV / battery power system for a household in that region was presented in this study. On the basis of wind speed,solar radiation,ambient temperature,and load data,the optimal design of the hybrid system is determined using a genetic algorithm( GA). As a result,the optimal hybrid system for a household consists of one wind turbine,21. 407 6 m^2 of PV arrays,and 20. 958 kW ·h of battery bank capacity. The system has a loss of power supply probability( LPSP) of 0. 019 9 and the minimum total annualized cost is $ 35 333.

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.

Cost-effective Energy Monitoring of Domestic Off-grid PV Systems

Domestic off-grid renewable energy systems have become common place in many areas of the world, as humanity seeks to keep abreast with global technological changes and advancements. This paper aims to present a cost-effective energy monitoring system which may be used to analyze and evaluate the operation of a domestic off-grid PV system. Parameters which are monitored include the output voltage and current from a 55 W polycrystalline PV panel. The output voltage and current from a power regulation circuit (which could be a DC-DC converter, solar charger or MPPT) is also monitored with this singular system which incorporates a data logging interface circuit, a data logger and a personal computer.

A Method for the Detection of Decrease in Power in PV Systems Using Satellite Data

In this paper, a method to detect a decrease in the output power of photovoltaic systems is proposed. This method is based on using satellite irradiance data. In addition, fault detection is carried out with only one day’s data in this method. Thus, the time elapses since the decrease in output is shorter than with the other methods. In order to mitigate the error in satellite data and improve the accuracy of fault detection, data extraction is carried out, which consists of two steps. In the first step, effective data are extracted by setting a lower irradiance limit. In the second step, “Calculation day” is determined depending on the number of effective data in one day. Fault detection, which is only conducted on the Calculation day, is conducted by comparing the expected power and the measured power. The parameters used in this study were optimized by testing 45 systems that appear normal. Subsequently, 340 systems were analyzed with the proposed method, using optimized parameters. The results showed the effectiveness of our method from the viewpoints of both accuracy and time required. In addition, three data extraction methods were considered to distinguish between the permanent decrease caused by failure, and the temporary decrease caused by partial shade. Fuzzy cluster analysis showed the best result among the three methods used.

Numerical Modeling and Technico-Economic Analysis of a Hybrid Energy Production System for Self-Consumption: Case of Rural Area in the Comoros

This study aims to provide electricity to a remote village in the Union of Comoros that has been affected by energy problems for over 40 years. The study uses a 50 kW diesel generator, a 10 kW wind turbine, 1500 kW photovoltaic solar panels, a converter, and storage batteries as the proposed sources. The main objective of this study is to conduct a detailed analysis and optimization of a hybrid diesel and renewable energy system to meet the electricity demand of a remote area village of 800 to 1500 inhabitants located in the north of Ngazidja Island in Comoros. The study uses the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) Pro to conduct simulations and optimize the analysis using meteorological data from Comoros. The results show that hybrid combination is more profitable in terms of margin on economic cost with a less expensive investment. With a diesel cost of $1/L, an average wind speed of 5.09 m/s and a solar irradiation value of 6.14 kWh/m2/day, the system works well with a proportion of renewable energy production of 99.44% with an emission quantity of 1311.407 kg/year. 99.2% of the production comes from renewable sources with an estimated energy surplus of 2,125,344 kWh/year with the cost of electricity (COE) estimated at $0.18/kWh, presenting a cost-effective alternative compared to current market rates. These results present better optimization of the used hybrid energy system, satisfying energy demand and reducing the environmental impact.

应用石蜡/GO复合相变材料的太阳能PV/T系统性能

为了提高太阳能PV/T系统能效,采用超声搅拌法制备了GO(氧化石墨烯)质量分数为0.01%、0.02%和0.03%的石蜡/GO复合相变材料,并对其潜热、导热性和流动性进行测试分析。其中,GO质量分数为0.02%的复合相变材料相比于制备的其他复合相变材料具有最佳的综合性能,其相变温度为35℃,相变潜热为42.93 J/g,热导率最高为0.505 W/(m·K),黏温拟合程度为0.91。为了分析石蜡/GO复合相变材料对太阳能PV/T系统热电性能的影响,搭建了两套完全相同的平板热管式太阳能PV/T系统,并将GO质量分数为0.02%的石蜡/GO复合相变材料和水作为两系统的传热介质运行。采用热效率和电效率对太阳能PV/T系统的热电性能进行表征。研究结果表明,在相同工况下,运行(石蜡质量分数为30%以及GO质量分数为0.02%)石蜡/GO复合相变材料的平板热管式太阳能PV/T系统的热电性能均比运行水的系统性能有所提升,其中系统热效率提高92.28%,电效率提高8.87%,换热水箱集热量提高15.80%。该研究为复合相变材料(流体)在太阳能储存领域的应用提供了借鉴。