Evaluation of MPPT techniques for photovoltaic applications

This paper presents a careful evaluation among the most usual MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) techniques, doing meaningful comparisons with respect to the amount of energy extracted from the photovoltaic (PV) panel, PV voltage ripple, dynamic response and use of sensors. Firstly, the MPPT and boost converter models were implemented via MatLab/Simulink®, and after a DC to DC boost converter, digitally controlled, was implemented and connected to an Agilent Solar Array simulator, in order to validate the simulation results. The algorithms are digitally developed and the main experimental results are also presented from the implemented prototype. Furthermore, the experimental dynamic results and the computed tracking factors are presented. © 2011 IEEE.