Variable Step Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Modules with Embedded Temperature Sensing

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

The industry standard method for maximum power point tracking of photovoltaics is still one of the simplest methods, in spite of more efficient methods being available. More efficient methods are often more expensive or difficult to implement. To bridge the gap between simplicity and efficiency, the author developed a new maximum power point tracking method. This method incorporates a variable step size and embedded temperature sensing. By interpolating amongst several pre-calibrated points, the maximum power point is estimated and used as the first step before switching to a simpler, more common algorithm. The proposed method is simple to implement, does not require expensive additional components, does not depend on knowledge of datasheet parameters, and incorporates feedback to ensure the actual maximum power point is reached, and not simply estimated.