A new MPPT method for photovoltaic systems used for hydrogen production

Abstract

Purpose -In most maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods described in the literature, the optimal operating point of the PV systems is estimated by linear approximations. These approximations can reduce considerably the performances of the PV systems. This paper seeks to provide comparative analyses of different MPPT methods used in photovoltaic (PV) systems and proposes a new approach that uses a nonlinear expression of the optimal voltage in combination with perturbation and observation (P&O) methods. Design/methodology/approach -First, an analytical model for determining the nonlinear PV optimal operating point is detailed and each equation is explained. Second, a combination of the new method with P&O method is proposed to reduce the PV losses. Findings -The simulation results showed that the approach improves clearly the tracking efficiency of the maximum power available at the PV modules output. The implementation of this new method will improve PV systems energy production rate and its long-term storage in hydrogen form. Practical implications -The simulation results showed that the new approach improves the MPP's tracking efficiency of the PV system on average at 92 percent. The implementation of the developed approach in a PV system with hydrogen storage increased the energy transfer from PV modules to the electrolyzer. Originality/value -This paper proposes a new approach to determine the maximum power point (MPP) from the measurement of the open circuit voltage of PV modules. A nonlinear expression of the optimal voltage was developed and is used in combination with P&O methods. The proposed approach largely improves the performance of the MPP tracking of the PV systems.

PEM Fuel Cell Hydrogen Support Using PV-Electrolyzer Generation System

“…The experimental results showed good results in the case of using MPPT, as the system efficiency increased by 2.3% compared to 1.5% without using MPPT, which reflected positively on the flow rates of hydrogen production. T. Tafticht et al [57], presented a comparison of some conventional methods of MPPT used in photovoltaic (PV) systems such as Maximum voltage based MPPT, Maximum current based MPPT, Incremental conductance (IC) based MPPT, Power derivative based MPPT, perturbation and observation (P&O) based MPPT and propose a new approach that uses a nonlinear expression of the optimal voltage in combination with perturbation and observation (P&O) methods. The simulation results show that with this method, the MPP tracking efficiency is clearly improved and more power is extracted from PV modules.…”

Optimal Power Management of Final Load and Electrolyser in a Solar Hydrogen Power Generation System

“…Based on the idea of tracking methods presented in [1], Xiao [5] discussed and simulated an adaptive version algorithm. Schmilovitz and Tafticht [6,7] presented detailed approach of maximum power point tracking methodology. Liu [8] investigated a grid interacted solar-hydrogen demonstration system with battery bank and hybrid hydrogen generation in China.…”

Equivalent circuit of photovoltaic generator using Newton‐Raphson algorithm

“…The models used in the above studies are further elaborated to include system efficiency and power quality improvements. The main interest is focused on the technology and dynamic analysis of the inverters employed as well as on the control aspects of the PV system in order to operate under maximum power conditions (Abd El‐Shafy et al , 2002; Salas et al , 2006; Tafticht et al , 2007; Kyritsis et al , 2008). In general, digital simulation studies on PV systems have the advantage in comparison to studies based on measurements because they are fast, with no cost and mainly because they give the opportunity for sensitivity analysis on various design parameters of the PV system.…”