Simulation & Proposed Hardware Implementation of MPP controller for a Solar PV system

This paper presents simulation of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for a solar photovoltaic systems also provides a proposal for hardware implementation of incremental conductance (IncCond) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) used in solar array power systems. The MPPT is implemented by incremental conductance algorithm with direct control method. This system simplifies the conventional MPPT systems by eliminating proportional integral control loop. This paper includes converter design, system simulation, and controller programming [1]. The IncCond algorithm is used to track MPPs because it performs precise control under rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. Also, MATLAB and Simulink were employed for simulation studies, and MPLAB IDE software used to program a dsPIC33F controller. The proposed system was developed and individual blocks tested successfully in the laboratory environment. Experimental results indicate the feasibility and improved functionality of the system. Contributions are made in several aspects of the whole system, including converter design, system simulation, controller programming, and proposed experimental setup.