Combining Model-Based and Heuristic Techniques for Fast Tracking the Maximum-Power Point of Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

This paper proposes a technique for accelerating the convergence to the maximum power point of photovoltaic (PV) systems based on the model obtained from manufacturer's generator data. The influence of the temperature over the PV array performance is considered, and no measurement of solar radiation is required. Knowledge of the load model and expensive sensor circuitry are not necessary. The tracking speed is much faster than nonmodel-based techniques at the expense of an increase in the computational complexity. Simulation and experimental results are presented and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed solution.