Optimal Duty Ratio Maximum Power Point Tracking Technique Using the SEPIC Topology for Photovoltaic Systems Applications

Increasing energy demands have created the need for developing new, environmentally friendly, alternative energy sources for electricity generation. Solar panels can convert energy generated from the Sun into usable electricity. These solar panels require power management approaches that can extract the maximum power available. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is a technique used to obtain the maximum power from one or more solar panels. These MPPT techniques allow a solar panel to operate at its optimum voltage and current values, extracting its maximum power. To achieve these operating points, MPPT algorithms are employed in combination with DC/DC converters. These DC/DC converters can convert a DC voltage to a different regulated DC voltage. The optimal duty ratio of a DC/DC converter allows a solar panel to operate at its optimal values. Previously the optimal duty ratio was calculated for traditional DC/DC converters such as the Buck, the Boost and the Buck-Boost. This paper presents a MPPT technique that uses the optimal duty ratio of a SEPIC to extract the utmost maximum power from a solar panel.