A comparison of several maximum power point tracking algorithms for a photovoltaic power system

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative study between traditional and intelligent Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms for Photovoltaic (PV) powered DC Shunt Motors. Given the nonlinearity of PV systems, they require nonstandard approaches to harness their full potential. Each PV module has a unique maximum power point on its IV curve due to its nonlinear characteristic nature. Power electronic converters are utilized to enable operation at that point. There are many different algorithms described in the introduction, each with its have their own advantages and drawbacks. Recognizing the potential enhancement of PV system efficiency through effective Maximum Power Point (MPP) tracking, this paper evaluates five MPPT methods under varying DC loads. The five algorithms will be as follows: Incremental Conductance and Perturb and Observe as traditional algorithms. Fuzzy Logic Control, Artificial Neural Networks, and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems as Intelligent Algorithms. While traditional algorithms generally produced acceptable results except for Perturb & Observe, intelligent algorithms performed well under rapidly changing solar radiation conditions. Due to inadequate data, intelligent algorithms relying on data training struggled to track the maximum power point when the temperature changed due to inadequate data used for the training. The analysis focuses on the time required by each method to reach peak power under different load conditions, solar irradiance, and temperature variations. The advantages and disadvantages of each MPPT with a shunt DC motor are detailed in the comparative study.