An improved dynamic maximum power point tracking method for PV application

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) system has been regarded as one of the most popular renewable energy sources due to its easy installation and safe operation. As one of the key control algorithms, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) function of PV inverter has been researched widely. Usually, its performance has been evaluated under a fixed environmental condition including irradiance and temperature. However, recently the dynamic MPPT performance under varying irradiance conditions has been paid attention to the PV society. As the European standard EN 50530, which defines the recommended varying irradiance profiles, was released lately, the corresponding researches have been required to improve the dynamic MPPT performance. This paper presents the design and evaluation of the improved dynamic MPPT performance using the modified P&O MPPT method under EN 50530. By using 250kW PV inverter, the performance of the modified P&O method is evaluated and compared with the conventional P&O MPPT methods. The experimental results show that modified P&O method shows higher dynamic MPPT efficiency under EN 50530than the conventional P&O one.