A multi-stage MPPT algorithm for PV systems based on golden section search method

Abstract

This paper proposes a complete maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solution for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. The proposed MPPT algorithm is a multi-stage algorithm combined with the golden section search (GSS) method and two other commonly used methods: the perturb and observe (P&O) and the incremental conductance (INC). The GSS method is used for its fast convergence time and robustness. The GSS mechanism, as well as the whole multistage MPPT strategy, is described in this paper. Finally, the results of simulations and experiments are given to verify the good performance of the system.