MPPT algorithms: Performance and evaluation

One of important factors to maximize the utilization and efficiency of any Photo-Voltaic (PV) system is the Maximum Power Point Tracking technique (MPPT). MPPT is specifically used to extract the maximum available power form the PV array, maximum power can be achieved by tracking the Maximum Power Point (MPP) using specialized algorithms such as Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Incremental Conductance (INC). These algorithms are the most common used due to its simplicity in implementation compared to other algorithms. This paper illustrates the positive effect of the MPPT technique on the PV system. In addition, it illustrates the theory of operation of both P&O and INC algorithms. The simulation work (using Matlab/Simulink) evaluates the algorithms under different operating conditions (temperature and solar irradiance) and showed that each algorithm has advantages over the other; P&O is the fastest to reach the MPP and to charge the battery but it can't retain the MPP as INC algorithm can do; Meanwhile INC can reach the MPP with lower perturbations, consequently lower switching rate, higher efficiency, and higher life time for the used components.