Performance analysis of P&O and incremental conductance MPPT algorithms under rapidly changing weather conditions

Abstract EN

In this paper, the comparative analysis of two maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms namely Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Incremental conductance (InC) is presented for the Photo-Voltaic (PV) power generation system.

The mathematical model of the PV array is developed and transformed into MATLAB/Simulink environment.

This model is used throughout the paper to simulate the PV source characteristics identical to that of a 20 Wp PV panel.

The MPPT algorithms generate proper duty ratio for interfacing dc-dc boost converter driving resistive load.

The performances of these algorithms are evaluated at gradual and rapidly changing weather conditions where it is observed that InC method tracks the rapidly changing insolation level at a faster rate as compared to P&O.

Depending upon the prevailing environmental conditions the MPPT algorithms finds a unique operating point to track the maximum available power.

The algorithms find a fixed duty ratio by comparing the previous power, voltage and current thereby optimizing the power output of the panel.

The main objective is to compare the tracking capability and stability of the algorithms under different environmental situations on par with other real world tests.