An Improved Perturb and Observe Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Photovoltaic Power Systems

This paper aims to improve the performance of the conventional perturb and observe(P&O) maximum power point tracking(MPPT) algorithm. As the oscillation around the maximum power point(MPP) is the main disadvantage of this technique, we introduce a modified P&O algorithm to conquer this handicap. The new algorithm recognizes approaching the peak of the photovoltaic(PV) array power curve and prevents the oscillation around the MPP. The key to achieve this goal is testing the change of output power in each cycle and comparing it with the change in array terminal power of the previous cycle. If a decrease in array terminal power is observed after an increase in the previous cycle or in the opposite direction, an increase in array terminal power is observed after a decrease in the previous cycle; it means we are at the peak of the power curve, so the duty cycle of the boost converter should remain the same as the previous cycle. Besides, an optimized duty cycle is introduced, which is adjusted based on the operating point of PV array. Furthermore, a DC-DC boost converter powered by a PV array simulator is used to test the proposed concept. When the irradiance changes, the proposed algorithm produces an average ηMPPT of nearly 3.1% greater than that of the conventional P&O algorithm and the incremental conductance(In C) algorithm. In addition, under strong partial shading conditions and drift avoidance tests, the proposed algorithm produces an average ηMPPT of nearly 9% and 8% greater than that of the conventional algorithms, respectively.