Performance Comparison of Burst-Mode MPPT and Perturb and Observe MPPT Algorithms for Photovoltaic Energy Harvesting Applications

Achieving high maximum power point (MPP) tracking efficiency and reducing converter switching losses are essential to maximizing output power for low-power photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting applications. This work analyzes the performance of a recently-proposed burst-mode maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm compared to the established perturb and observe (P&O) MPPT algorithm. Overall, switching losses are reduced with burst-mode operation by actively switching only for a fraction of the operating time. The practicality of the burst-mode MPPT concept is validated through experimental results and the algorithm is verified through simulation. Simulation results indicate a slightly higher tracking efficiency than P&O MPPT both under low and high light intensities. During two separate intervals with a multiple-PV/multiple-converter system, 99% tracking efficiency is reached with burst-mode MPPT; while P&O MPPT achieved tracking efficiencies of 96 and 97%