Adaptive MPPT Algorithm for a Distributed Wireless Photovoltaic Based Irrigation System

Tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of a photovoltaic array is an essential part of a photovoltaic (PV) system. PV system performance average losses are of about 20%-25% in electricity production. The causes are mismatching losses, partial shadows, variations in current - voltage characteristics of PV modules due to manufacturing processes, differences in the orientations and inclinations of solar surfaces, and temperature effects. A hybrid and adaptive Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) Algorithms is proposed to track the peak power delivered by a solar panel under partial shading and fast changing environmental conditions to maximize the solar energy harvested from the Photovoltaic modules. The simulation results of MATLAB and PSpice have been compared with earlier methods. Improvements in the starting characteristic performance, tracking effect and the other undesired effects of the shadows like the avoidance of multiple maxima have been obtained. Finally attempt is made to propose a wireless Photovoltaic based irrigation system using MSP430 microcontroller as it enables system to simultaneously interface to analog signals, sensors and digital components while consuming ultra low power.