Maximum power point tracking using hybrid perturb & observe and incremental conductance techniques

The development of renewable energy has been an increasingly critical topic in the 21st century with the growing problem of global warming and other environmental issues. With greater research, alternative renewable sources such as wind, water, geothermal and solar energy have become increasingly important for electric power generation. Although photovoltaic cells are nothing new, their use has become more common, practical, and useful for people worldwide. Although each cell output is relatively low voltage, if many are connected in series, a solar photovoltaic (PV) module is formed. Although the price for such cells is decreasing, making use of a solar cell module still requires substantial financial investment. At a given temperature and insolation level, PV cells supply maximum power at one particular operation point called the maximum power point tracking (MPPT). However, the MPP locus varies over a wide range, depending on PV array temperature and insolation intensity. Instantaneous shading conditions and aging of PV cells also affect the MPP locus. In this research paper two reformed algorithms have been proposed for MPPT, the most widely used ones are the `Perturb and Observe' (P&O) and the Incremental Conductance algorithms. The duty cycle of the converter will be controlled, so that the source will send maximum power to the load. The research paper presents a new reformed technique of harvesting MPP from PV cells after evaluating the previous ones. All the previous techniques were thoroughly studied before making any reform in the traditional MPP techniques. Both techniques have their own significance at different situations of weather. In this paper new technique is introduced by using both of above P&O and Incremental Conductance.