Maximum Power Point Tracking Method for PV Module Under Wide Range Varying Irradiance Levels

This study proposes a novel algorithm for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in solar-power-generating systems, and compares it with the conventional methods of hill climbing (HC). These conventional algorithms are prone to divergence under low irradiance levels (<150 W/m²), resulting in MPPT difficulties and a limited effective MPPT range; the HC algorithm in particular often entraps the actuating point near an inescapable local minimum and causes divergence. The proposed algorithm uses the angle between the sun and the horizon to develop a novel MPPT technique that extends the MPPT range to 100 W/m², effectively mitigating the divergence problems of the HC algorithms when the irradiance level is low (＜150W/m²). The performance of the proposed algorithm was compared with that of the HC algorithm at varying irradiance levels, and the experimental results confirm the superiority of the proposed algorithm.