Improving power-conversion efficiency via a hybrid MPPT approach for photovoltaic systems

Abstract

This paper presents a hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method for improving the power -conversion efficiency of Photovoltaic (PV) generators. By detecting the output power changes caused by environmental reasons, the proposed method performs variable-step online search process with an accurate estimation of the Maximum Power Point (MPP) locus. A PV generator with a Single Ended Primary Inductance Converter (SEPIC) is developed in PSIM to verify the feasibility and suitability of the proposed method. Simulation results show that it can not only deliver a stable reference operating voltage for MPPs at steady state, but also can speed up the searching process under rapidly changing environment conditions.