Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic system works with highest efficiency at an operating point of maximum power on power-voltage (P-V) and current-voltage (I-V) curve. But any mismatch in a photovoltaic array leads to differences in the I-V characteristics of the PV modules. It can lead to significant energy losses known as mismatch losses. An electronic circuitry is required to maintain the system stable at this maximum power point in spite of any disturbances, called as maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system. This paper describes few of the mostly used MPPT methods along with working principles. Limitations of these are presented in the latter section.