An Efficient Maximum-power-point-tracking Controller For Grid-connected Photovoltaic Energy Conversion System

Abstract

This paper investigates the effectiveness of the “Perturbation and Observation” (P&O) method and “Incremental Conductance” (IncCond) method through simulations carried out by using SimPowerSystems of MATLAB/Simulink®. Both the steady-state and transient characteristics of each control algorithm are fully analyzed and compared by using a proposed performance index. Finally, a new MPPT control algorithm based on an enhanced incremental conductance method is proposed in order to improve the efficiency of the PV power generation system at different climatic and load conditions. An adaptive duty cycle perturbation step size is made dependent on the sensitivity of the PV array power to the previous perturbation in order to obtain a fast dynamic response and accurate tracking of the MPP. Digital simulations and experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed technique.