Suboptimal MPPT control for power management in PV-diesel remote area power supply systems

Abstract

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is commonly being used in solar-photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems to maximise solar energy extraction. In this paper it is proposed to operate the solar-PV system at the suboptimal MPPT to manage power balance in a remote area power supply (RAPS) system. This is performed based on three different operating modes: 1) Frequency control mode; 2) Active power control mode; 3) MPPT control mode. The operating modes are decided based on the load level and the operating mode of the diesel generator (i.e. synchronous condenser mode or generator mode). This power management strategy balances the generation and load demand that requires transition between the three operating modes without using the dummy load. The proposed strategy is capable of extending the diesel generator life time and improves the operating efficiency of the diesel generator. Simulation studies are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the suboptimal MPPT control strategy in a PV-Diesel RAPS system, and have shown that the proposed strategy can seamlessly maintain power balance in the RAPS system while maintaining the voltage and frequency within stipulated limits. Substantial cost savings can also be achieved in long run due to the life time extension and efficiency improvement of the diesel generator. Abstract-Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is commonly being used in solar-photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems to maximise solar energy extraction. In this paper it is proposed to operate the solar-PV system at the suboptimal MPPT to manage power balance in a remote area power supply (RAPS) system. This is performed based on three different operating modes: 1) Frequency control mode; 2) Active power control mode; 3) MPPT control mode. The operating modes are decided based on the load level and the operating mode of the diesel generator (i.e. synchronous condenser mode or generator mode). This power management strategy balances the generation and load demand that requires transition between the three operating modes without using the dummy load. The proposed strategy is capable of extending the diesel generator life time and improves the operating efficiency of the diesel generator. Simulation studies are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the suboptimal MPPT control strategy in a PV-Diesel RAPS system, and have shown that the proposed strategy can seamlessly maintain power balance in the RAPS system while maintaining the voltage and frequency within stipulated limits. Substantial cost savings can also be achieved in long run due to the life time extension and efficiency improvement of the diesel generator.Index Terms-Diesel generator, frequency control, maximum power point tracking (MPPT), photovotaic (PV), power management, remote area power supply (RAPS) system, voltage control.

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“…Hence, instead of operating at maximum power point tracking (MPPT) strategy, renewable power generators should be deliberately operated below their MPP. In the published literature, this strategy is commonly referred as 'de-loaded' control [6] or suboptimal power point tracking (SOPPT) control [23].…”

Design and Simulation of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System’s Performance Analysis with Optimal Control of Maximum Power Point Tracking Based on Artificial Intelligence

“…This controller's performance is determined by how soon it reaches 1000 MPPT, how well it oscillates around that point, and how resistant it is to abrupt atmospheric changes. The MPPT technique recently attracted a lot of attention as a way to improve the dynamic performance of PV systems, particularly in terms of tracking the MPPT in the presence of various local maxima during the night [5,7]. Among the options found in the literature, there is a proposal to reconfigure the structure to reduce shading by providing an optimal PV system configuration to achieve the MPPT.…”

“…However, because the P-V curve has numerous peaks, this performance is not guaranteed during outperforms (OP). As a result, the local maximum could trap ICTan, et al [7];…”