Study of Solar PV Module Using Incremental Conductance MPPT with Boost Converter and Sepic Converter

Abstract

In this study, the maximum power point is tracked precisely and quickly using an MPPT technique based on incremental conductance (INC). Based on the PV voltage and current, the Incremental Conductance (INC) technique searches for the precise MPP. PV-based power generation systems use the MPPT algorithm and two separate DC-DC converters to increase the output voltage. Using the MATLAB simulink system, the proposed algorithm\'s operation is simulated. At the conclusion of this work, conclusions were reached after comparing the algorithm\'s performance when using Boost Converter and SEPIC Converter.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

When conventional methods of power generation are impractical, renewable energy sources have gained popularity as an alternative electrical energy source. The negative consequences that these conventional sources have on our ecosystem are another reason why renewable sources, particularly solar and wind, are becoming more and more popular. These are widely accessible on Earth and have a significant potential to meet our expanding energy needs without harming the environment. These are also useful for rural locations or areas that are not serviced by our grid system. These renewable resources now play a significant role in the advancement of civilisation.

Renewable energy sources like solar energy are not constant during the day, the month, or the year. Even the solar panels' efficiency is not very impressive. Therefore, regardless of the environmental circumstances, it is vital to operate these systems at their maximum power point to make it more effective and impressive. With these systems, it is accomplished by utilising Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) approaches. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method boosts a solar PV system's solar energy efficiency. The work in [1] focuses on a review of solar systems, converters, and MPPT control methods with power generation. Review of efficient photovoltaic implementation with an emphasis on semiconductor characteristics and overall solar system design. In an alternate architecture proposed by [2], non-isolated per-panel dc-dc converters are connected in series to form a high voltage string that is connected to a condensed dc-ac inverter. Possible cascadable dc-dc converters include buck, boost, buck-boost, and Cuk converters. The purpose of the article [3] is to construct an MPPT to charge a 12 – volt battery by using a (TBP 1275) 74-watt PV panel. The presentation of a method for effectively obtaining the greatest output power from a solar panel under a variety of meteorological situations [4]. The technology is based on coupling a SEPIC dc-dc converter with pulse width modulation. The MPPT algorithm is used in PV-based power generating systems used in [10] coupled with two separate DC-DC converters to increase the output voltage. Simulating the suggested algorithm's operation with a MATLAB system generator verifies its effectiveness [7]. The algorithm's performance with the boost converter is verified and contrasted with SEPIC and conclusion were drawn. In [11], the indirect and direct techniques of MPPT algorithms are addressed. Additionally, each MPPT algorithm's benefits and drawbacks are discussed. Using the Perturb and Observe technique, simulations of PV modules were also performed. In the study of [12], describe a simple and precise approach for modelling solar arrays. Using data from the datasheet, the approach is used to determine the array model's parameters. The authors of this paper provide a practical and easy-to-understand method for modelling and simulating solar arrays for power electronics designers and researchers. The maximum power point tracker (MPPT) with incremental conductance (INC) approach is presented, along with the installation of two distinct boost converter topologies. It is decided to use conventional and conventional interleaved boost converters [14].

The remainder of the paper is organised as follows:

The theory of the photovoltaic energy conversion system is described in Section II, together with its fundamental principles, modelling and illustrative formulae.  Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) theory, MPPT requirements, and MPPT types are covered in Section III, the flowchart of the incremental conductance MPPT—is discussed. The theory of DC-DC converters is presented in Section IV along with a brief explanation of the various mode of operations. Section V describes the modelling, which includes a PV system model employing incremental conductance MPPT and a Boost Converter, SEPIC converter and their combined model. The output waveform of the PV system is shown in Section VI using the Incremental Conductance MPPT with Boost converter & SEPIC converter, and their combined model, the results are tabulated. The conclusions and future scope are discussed in Section VII.

II. PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM

On the basis of the photoelectric effect, which asserts that when photons or sunlight strike a metal surface, an electron flow occurs, the photovoltaic energy system operates. Solar energy is mostly used to power photovoltaic energy systems. It has PV modules or arrays that transform solar irradiation, which is solar energy into electricity. To match the voltage with the electrical appliances that are provided by this system, the dc-dc converter modifies the voltage level. Depending on the necessary and available voltage levels, this DC-DC converter may be either buck, boost, or buck-boost. The PV modules' maximum power is drawn from them via the maximum power point tracking system. When there is a power excess, the battery is charged, and when there is a power deficit, the energy stored in the battery is discharged into the load using a bi-directional converter that can deliver current in both directions. 

III. BOOST & SEPIC CONVERTER

Without a DC-DC converter like a Boost, Buck, Buck-Boost, Zeta, Sepic, or Cuk Converter, no PV system can function. Only through converters can the maximum power recorded by any maximum power point tracking systems be sent to the linked loads. The key task while putting out a maximum power point tracker is to select and develop a highly effective converter that will serve as the MPPT's primary component. For the PV module to work at its best, the DC-DC converter should be chosen depending on the required output voltage from the MPPT. The tracking of the maximum power point is fundamentally a load matching issue. To adjust the input resistance of the panel to match the load resistance by adjusting the duty cycle, a DC to DC converter is needed. The circuit layouts of each of the aforementioned converters vary, including the number, location, and orientation of switching and storing devices. There are various types of dc-dc converters that can be used to transform the level of the voltage as per the supply availability and load requirement. In this paper namely Boost Converter and Sepic  Converter are used and their performance are compared.

A. Boost Converter

The boost converter's main purpose is to raise the voltage. Fig. 3.1 depicts the boost converter's circuit configuration.

During the ON period of the switching element, the inductor's current starts to increase and it begins to store energy. It is said that the circuit is charging. The inductor's reserve energy begins draining into the load and the supply while it is in the OFF position [17]. The inductor time constant affects the output voltage level, which is greater than the input voltage level. The switching device's duty ratio and source side voltage are compared to determine the load side voltage.

IV. MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING TECHNIQUE

A PV system's maximum power point may be tracked using the maximum power point tracing (MPPT) system, an electronic control system. The movement of the modules changes direction and makes them face directly toward the sun without using a single mechanical component. The MPPT control system is an entirely electronic device that, by changing the electrical working point of the modules, may produce the maximum permissible power. By automatically determining the voltage (Vmpp) or current (Impp) at which a PV array should operate in order to achieve the maximum power point (MPP) under a particular temperature and irradiation by giving pulses to the converter through PWM to make the PV system operate more efficiently, MPPT is a power electronics configuration that enables the P-V module to supply maximum power to the load.

A PV cell has low conversion efficiency and nonlinear properties that alter with temperature and light exposure. Generally, the Maximum Power Point (MPP), at which the entire PV system functions with highest efficiency and generates its maximum output power, is the single location on the V-I or P-V curve [8],[9]. Although the MPP's position is unknown, it can be found using search algorithms or calculating models. The PV system operating point is kept at its MPP using Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) approaches.

In On-line methods of MPPT, also known as model-free methods, usually the instantaneous values of the PV output voltage or current or power are used to generate the control signals. Extremum seeking control method (ESC) and Incremental Conductance method (INC) used in this research.

Conclusion

A. Conclusions In this paper, a standalone PV system using Incremental Conductance (INC) MPPT method with two DC-DC converters, i.e. Boost Converter and Sepic Converter feeding a constant purely resistive load, under different environment conditions is modeled. The whole system, i.e. PV panel, INC MPPT, Boost Converter and Sepic Converter is modeled on MATLAB/ Simulink system. Under different environment conditions, i.e. different Irradiation and Temperature levels, we have seen that the output voltage, current and power varies. When the Irradiation decreases, PV current, voltage and power decreases and also a decrease in all these parameters are observed when the Temperature levels are increased. Same Irradiation and Temperature levels are given to the PV system equipped with INC MPPT, first to the Boost Converter and then separately, to the Sepic Converter and then a combined system is used to show their performance. We have seen that the system having Sepic converter is producing more power in comparison to the system having Boost converter under different environment conditions. The different concluding remarks are as follows: 1) When T=250C and G=1000 W/m2, the Boost converter output are I= 1.97 A, V=89.4V, P= 176.6 W and the Sepic converter output are I= 1.94 A, V= 98.41V, P=190.9 W, an increase of 8 % in output power in Sepic w.r.t Boost. 2) When T=300C and G=1000 W/m2, the Boost converter output are I= 1.89 A, V=85.7V, P= 162.4 W and the Sepic converter output are I= 1.88 A, V= 95.7V, P=180.9 W, an increase of 11% in output power in Sepic w.r.t Boost. 3) When T=400C and G=1000 W/m2, the Boost converter output are I= 1.78 A, V= 80.9V, P= 144.6 W and Sepic converter output are I= 1.79 A, V= 91 V and P= 163.4W, an increase of 13% in output power in Sepic w.r.t Boost. 4) When T=250C and G=800 W/m2, the Boost converter output are I= 1.68 A, V= 76.4V, P= 128.9 W and Sepic converter output are I= 1.83 A, V= 92.8V, P= 169.8W, an increase of 29% in output power in Sepic w.r.t Boost. 5) When T=300C and G=800 W/m2, the Boost converter output are I= 1.6 A, V= 72.4V, P= 119.9W and Sepic converter output are I= 1.76A, V= 89.2V, P= 151.2W, an increase of 31% in output power in Sepic w.r.t Boost. 6) When T=400C and G=800 W/m2, the Boost converter output are I= 1.48A, V= 67.3V, P= 109.2W and Sepic converter output are I= 1.63A, V= 83.1V, P= 136.1W, an increase of 33.4% in output power in Sepic w.r.t Boost. 7) When T=250C and G=600 W/m2, the Boost converter output are I= 1.37A, V= 61.7V, P= 85.8W and Sepic converter output are I= 1.58A, V= 84.3V, P= 131.1W, an increase of 44.1% in output power in Sepic w.r.t Boost. 8) When T=300C and G=600 W/m2, the Boost converter output are I= 1.29A, V= 57.8V, P= 74.6W and Sepic converter output are I= 1.53A, V= 80.2V, P= 122.7W, an increase of 52.1% in output power in Sepic w.r.t Boost. 9) When T=400C and G=600 W/m2, the Boost converter output are I= 1.16A, V= 53.2V, P= 63.4W and Sepic converter output are I= 1.41A, V= 72.1V, P= 101.6W, an increase of 55.3% in output power in Sepic w.r.t Boost. 10) It is concluded that the drop in power is more with Boost converter in comparison to Sepic converter when the Irradiation are decreased and simultaneously Temperatures are increased. 11) In both the cases, power nearest to the maximum power were obtained only at G=1000 W/m2 and T=250C. B. Future Scope Renewable Energy, especially Solar Energy, from the last many years, has been an area of interest and a lot of research has already been done and is still going on. The future scope of this research work can be identified as : 1) A grid connected PV system with the same setup of INC MPPT with Boost and SEPIC Converter. 2) A hybrid MPPT having Off-line and On-line methods can be implemented. 3) A hybrid energy system having PV with Wind or Hydro or Diesel can be tested. 4) In the Simulink models, the Solar Irradiation and Temperatures can be given as variable input instead of constant values.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2022 Shivendra Saurabh, Priyesh Pandey, Ajay Shekhar Pandey. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.