Effect of Measurement Noise and Bias on Hill-Climbing MPPT Algorithms

Erroneous measurement of solar array voltage and current degrades the performance of hill-climbing, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) systems. This degradation is observed as a reduced climbing rate, erroneous settling point, and/or random operating point excursions. The effect of measurement bias and noise on MPPT performance is analyzed. Tracking problems are then classified according to their cause, which allows for easier debugging of a faulty tracker. The effectiveness of several error-mitigating techniques is then studied, and recommendations are given accordingly. Conclusions of the analysis are then experimentally verified.