Voltage and current based MPPT of solar arrays under variable insolation and temperature conditions

Voltage-based (VMPPT) and current-based (CMPPT) maximum power point tracking are simple and practical approaches for improving the efficiency of photovoltaic systems A problem in practical implementation of these trackers is the impact of array temperature deteriorating their accuracy. This paper uses theoretical and experimental data and analysis to investigate the impact of insolation and temperature on the performance of VMPPT and CMPPT techniques. Simulations are carried in Matlab environment and measurements are performed using an experimental setup consisting of a solar array, a personal computer, interface boards and thermal sensors.