International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 06 Issue: 04 | Apr 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Perturb & Observe MPPT Technique used for PV System Under

different Environmental Conditions
Arti Pandey1, Sumati Srivastava2
1PG Student [Power System], Dept. of EEE, Maharishi University of Information Technology, Lucknow, U.P., India
2Assistant Professor, Dept. of EEE, Maharishi University of Information Technology, Lucknow, U.P., India

---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
ABSTRACT - Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are used for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy by using power
electronics converter. These solar PV cells exhibit nonlinear characteristics and very small efficiency. The characteristic of
photovoltaic cells become more difficult under changed environmental condition such as partial shading.

Due to these problems, it becomes necessary to researchers to extract maximum power from solar PV cells under inconsistent
atmospheric conditions. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) scheme is used to extract maximum power from solar PV cells.
Various types of MPPT schemes are proposed, namely open circuit, short circuit, perturb and observe (P&O)/hill climbing,
incremental conductance, and so forth.

Key Words: Solar cell, MPPT, P&O, Photovoltaic

1. INTRODUCTION
Global energy demand is growing exponentially. This rise in demand causes concern pertaining to the global energy crisis and
associated environmental threats. The solution of these issues is seen in non-conventional energy sources. Solar energy is
considered one of the main sources of renewable energy, available in plenty and also free of cost. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells
are used to convert solar energy into unregulated electrical energy. These solar PV cells exhibit nonlinear characteristics and
give very low efficiency. Therefore, it becomes essential to extract maximum power from solar PV cells using maximum power
point tracking (MPPT). Perturb and observe (P&O) is one of such MPPT schemes. The behavior of MPPT schemes under
continually changing atmospheric conditions is critical. It leads to two conditions, i.e., rapid change in solar irradiation and
partial shading due to clouds, etc. Also, the behavior of MPPT schemes under changed load condition becomes significant to
analyze. This article aims to address the issue of the conventional P&O MPPT scheme under increase solar irradiation condition
and its behavior under changed load condition. The modified MPPT scheme is implemented in the control circuit of a DC–DC
converter. The simulation study is done using PSIM simulation software. A prototype unit is tested with artificial light setup on
a solar PV panel to simulate the changed solar irradiation condition. The results of the modified MPPT scheme are compared
with existing schemes. The modified MPPT scheme works fast and gives improved results under change of solar irradiation.
Furthermore, the steady state oscillations are also reduced.

1.1 MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING FOR PV CELL

The power delivered by a PV system of one or more photovoltaic cells is dependent on the irradiance, temperature, and the
current drawn from the cells. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is used to obtain the maximum power from these systems.
Such applications as putting power on the grid, charging batteries, or powering an electric motor benefit from MPPT. In these
applications, the load can demand more power than the PV system can deliver. In this case, a power conversion system is used to
maximize the power from the PV system. There are many different approaches to maximizing the power from a PV system, these
ranges from using simple voltage relationships to more complex multiple sample based analysis. Depending on the end
application and the dynamics of the irradiance, the power conversion engineer needs to evaluate the various options.

© 2019, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2829
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 04 | Apr 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Fig 1. Block diagram of Typical MPPT system

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1. Comparison of different MPPT techniques from literature survey:

Refrence MPPT Control Converter Observations

technique variable type
Proposed Confined Duty cycle Boost This paper presents a modified P&O algorithm
search spaced converter integrated with dual axis solar tracker that
P&O confines the search space of the algorithm
within the maximum power point containing
area. Confinement of the algorithm’s search
space lessened the response time to the
changing weather conditions that in return
decreases the
Steady-state oscillations at the MPP.
(Killi and Drift-free P&O Duty ratio, SEPIC converter The authors state that in high solar insolation,
Samanta, algorithm dynamic conventional P&O algorithm suffers from drift
2015) because of the wrong decision taken by the
perturbation
algorithm. The paper
Presents a modified P&O algorithm that avoids
the drift in suddenly changing irradiance and
accurately tracks the MPP.
(Tang et al., Model MPC duty cycle Boost The paper proposes an MPC based MPPT
2017) predictive converter algorithm for the large-scale marine PV
control system. The system maximizes the solar
energy utilization by overcoming the dynamic
partial shadings.
(Chaieb and Simplified Duty cycle Buck converter The paper presents a modified version of the
Sakly, Accelerated particle swarm optimization. The results
2018) Particle Swarm reveal that the proposed algorithm is able to
Optimization track the global maximum, especially under
the partial shading conditions.
(Al-Dhaifallah Fractional Duty cycle Boost converter The paper presents a fractional order control
et al., 2018) order control based incremental conductance MPPT
based algorithm. The results show high tracking
incremental accuracy for remarkable climate changes. The
conductance integration of the fractional order control with
the conventional INC algorithm increases the

© 2019, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2830
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 04 | Apr 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

tracking speed by 41. 67%.

(El Khazane Finite Time Duty cycle DC-DC The proposed FTSMC MPPT technique ensures
and Sliding Mode converter the fast error tracking capability for the PV
Tissir, 2018) Control pumping system.
(FTSMC)
(Alik and Variable step Duty cycle Boost converter The paper presents a modified P&O algorithm
Jusoh, size P&O that increases the efficiency of the system by
2018) 16% in partial shading conditions.

The desired power output is obtained by joining several PV cells together. The block diagram of the proposed model is given in
Fig 1. A photovoltaic generator is supplying a DC load, (e.g. a battery) through an adaptation stage constituted by a boost
converter driven by an MPPT charge controller assuming the maximum efficiency for the energy transfer.

Fig.2. Block diagram of the MPPT system

Various MPPT control algorithms proposed for tracking of maximum power. In this paper there are three MPPT algorithms
are proposed for comparison view, and these are:
a) Modified perturb and observe (MP&O)
b) Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
c) Fuzzy logic controller
The PV output power is supplied to the load through the DC-DC converter. The MPPT technique generates the desired pulses
for the switching of DC-DC converter. With the aid of these switching pulses for the duty cycle of DC-DC converter, the solar PV
module is forced to work in a maximum power mode. Figure describes control techniques with DC-DC converter.

Fig.3. Block diagram of PV system

MPPT placement:
Traditional solar inverters perform MPPT for the entire PV array (module association) as a whole. In such systems the same
current, dictated by the inverter, flows through all modules in the string (series). Because different modules have different I-V
curves and different MPPs (due to manufacturing tolerance, partial shading, etc.) this architecture means some modules will be
performing below their MPP, resulting in lower efficiency.
Some companies (see power optimizer) are now placing maximum power point tracker into individual modules, allowing
each to operate at peak efficiency despite uneven shading, soiling or electrical mismatch.
Data suggests having one inverter with one MPPT for a project that has east and west-facing modules presents no
disadvantages when compared to having two inverters or one inverter with more than one MPPT.

© 2019, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2831
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 04 | Apr 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Perturb and observe:

In this method the controller adjusts the voltage by a small amount from the array and measures power; if the power
increases, further adjustments in that direction are tried until power no longer increases. This is called the perturb and observe
method and is most common, although this method can result in oscillations of power output. It is referred to as a hill climbing
method, because it depends on the rise of the curve of power against voltage below the maximum power point, and the fall above
that point. Perturb and observe is the most commonly used MPPT method due to its ease of implementation. Perturb and
observe method may result in top-level efficiency, provided that a proper predictive and adaptive hill climbing strategy is
adopted.
Modified Perturb and Observe method:
This method is an improved method of perturb and observe (P&O) method. P&O is unable to track the power during load
changes and rapid variation of environmental condition. MP&O method can meet the desired shape which is ineffective in case of
P&O method. Although response time is improved, but power oscillation still pertains in case of MP&O algorithm.
That presents the idea to focus on ANN and fuzzy logic controller.
Advantages:
1. Simplicity: This algorithm solves one linear equation. Therefore, it does not consume much computational power.
2. It can be implemented as analog or digital circuits.
3. Since temperature varies slowly with time, there are no steady-state oscillation and instability.
4. Low cost: temperature sensors are usually very cheap.
5. Robust against noise.
Disadvantages:
1. Estimation error might not be negligible for low irradiation levels (e.g. below 200 W/m²).
MODEL FORMULATION OF MPPT SYSTEM IN SIMULINK ENVIRONMENT:
Fig. 3 shows a complete model of the Solar Photovoltaic system incorporating a boost converter that boosts the voltage from
the Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm (MPPT). The simulation of this model has been done by taking different values of
Irradiance and Temperature.

Fig.3. Simulink model of the proposed PV system

P&O MPPT algorithm:
This method structures a simple regulation in closed loop incorporating only a few controlled parameters. The P&O algorithm
compares the previously delivered power with the one after disturbance by periodically varying the voltage of the panel with a
minuscule incremental step to reduce the oscillation around the MPP or the desired step. This algorithm has a wide application
in commercial systems due to its simplicity and involvement of few measured parameters. The principle of this method is
described by flowchart is given in Fig 4.

© 2019, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2832
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 04 | Apr 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Fig.4. P&O flowchart

Modeling of P&O:

The detailed Matlab/Simulink model is shown in Fig. 5. The photovoltaic voltage (Vpv) and current (Ipv) are taken as the
perturbation inputs from solar photovoltaic array module to MPPT unit. The duty cycle D is obtained as output.

Fig.5. Modeling of MPPT technique

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS:

The variations of voltage and power with time are shown in the various graphs. The temperature and irradiance are varied and
the characteristics curves of voltage and power are plotted with respect to time. From the graphs, it can be seen that as the
irradiance is increased, the voltage increases and so there is a change in the output waveform. Thus, a direct effect on the
output voltage with respect to the irradiance and temperature can be observed. The temperature when increased the PVG gives
a higher output power.

It is observed from the graph that the variations are non-linear and are rather exponential.

The outputs as obtained are shown in Fig.6.

© 2019, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2833
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 04 | Apr 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Fig.6. Output Power at T=25°C & Irr=500 watt/m2

Fig.6 shows the plot of output power with respect to time at temperature 25°C and irriandance 500 watt/m2. Whereas Fig.6
shows the output power for the same system for the same temperature but at a higher irriandance 1000watt/m2.

Fig.7. Output voltage at T=25oC & Irr=500 watt/m2

The graph shown in Fig.7 depicts the variation of the output voltage with respect to time when temperature is taken to be 25°C
and irradiance of 500 watt/m2.

4. CONCLUSIONS:
This research primarily serves to establish a proposed simulation model for the solar photovoltaic system performed along
with P&O technique for Maximum Peak Power Tracking. The motive of the paper i.e. to develop an efficient and optimized
system has been achieved. The maximum power point tracker has to match its load to that of the maximum available power
from a PV generator (PVG) with the highest electrical efficiency. This was obtained by integrating P&O algorithms into the
MPPT controller. The duty of the boost converter is controlled by the aforesaid algorithm.
The common method is implemented under Matlab/Simulink environment. There are many countries in the world located in
the tropical and temperate belt, where the intensity of sunlight may reach up to 1000W/m2. Effect of environmental
parameters viz. temperature and irradiance variations could also be observed from simulated characteristics. The boost
converter is used to step up the PV array output with the Perturb and Observe technique for controlling the duty ratio of boost
converter switch.

5. REFERENCES:
[1] S. Das, P. K. Sadhu, S. Chakraborty, N. Pal, G. Majumdar, “New Generation Solar PV Powered Sailing Boat Using Boost
Chopper”, TELKOMNIKA Indones. J. Electr. Eng, Vol.12, No. 12, pp.8077–8084,2014
[2] S. Das, P. K. Sadhu, N. Pal, S. Mukherjee, “Single Axis Automatic Solar Tracking System Using Microcontroller”,
TELKOMNIKA Indones. J. Electr. Eng, Vol.12, pp.8028– 8032,2014.

© 2019, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2834
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 04 | Apr 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

[3] K. Shenai, K. Shah, “Smart DC Micro-grid for Efficient Utilization of Distributed Renewable Energy”, Digest of IEEE Applied
Power Electronics Conference and Exposition,2011.
[4] Y. Li, W. Huang, H. Huang, C. Hewitt, Y. Chen, G. Fang, et al., “Evaluation of methods to extract parameters from current
voltage characteristics of solar cells”, Sol Energy, Vol.90, pp.51– 7,2013.
[5] P. Maffezzoni, L. Codecasa, D. D'Amore , “Modeling and simulation of a hybrid photovoltaic module equipped with a
heatrecovery system”, IEEE Trans Ind Electron, Vol. 56, pp.4311– 8,2009.
[6] D. Dondi, A. Bertacchini, D. Brunelli, L. Larcher , “Modeling and optimization of a solar energy harvester system for
selfpowered wireless sensor networks”, IEEE Trans Ind Electron, Vol. 55, pp. 2759–66,2008.
[7] N. D. Benavides, P. L. Chapman, “Modeling the effect of voltage ripple on the power output of photovoltaic modules”, IEEE
Trans Ind Electron, Vol. 55, pp.2638–43,2008.
[8] AlHajri,M. F. , K. M. El-Naggar, M. R. AlRashidi, A. K. Al- Othman, ”Optimal extraction of solar cell parameters using pattern
search”, Renew Energy, Vol.44, pp.238–45,2012.
[9] A. Zegaoui, M. Aillerie, P. Petit, J. P. Sawicki, J. P. Charles, A. W. Belarbi, “Dynamic behaviour of PV generator trackers under
irradiation and temperature changes”, Solar Energy, Vol.85, pp.2953–2964,2011.
[10] R. D. Tapakis, A. G. Charalambides, “Performance evaluation of a photovoltaic park in Cyprus using irradiance sensors”,
Journal of Power Technologies, Vol.94(4), pp.296–305,2014.

© 2019, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2835