Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is an important consideration in photovoltaic (PV) systems. These systems exhibit variable nonlinear current–voltage (I–V) and power–voltage (P–V) characteristics which vary with environmental conditions. The optimum operation of a PV system occurs when the system operates at the unique maximum power point (MPP) for the given environmental conditions. Key environmental conditions include the irradiance on the cell, temperature of the cell and any shading phenomenon. Shading can occur due to objects, dust or dirt and module mismatch arising from damage or manufacturing tolerances. These shading effects introduce further nonlinearity into the I–V and P–V characteristics of the system. An extensive variety of MPPT techniques has been proposed which vary from simple estimation techniques to advanced tracking techniques. In this chapter, the criteria for assessing the performance of MPPT methods are defined followed by a complete description and discussion of both techniques designed for uniform environmental conditions and those designed for non-uniform environmental conditions.
History
Publication title
Advances in Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants
Editors
MR Islam, F Rahman and W Xu
Pagination
79-105
ISBN
978-3-662-50519-9
Department/School
School of Engineering
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Place of publication
Berlin
Extent
11
Rights statement
Copyright 2016 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Mining and extraction of energy resources not elsewhere classified