Maximum power point tracking of a solar system using state space averaging for wireless sensor network

Abstract

This paper discusses various techniques and algorithms that have been used over time for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of various energy systems with special focus to wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. A brief comparison has been carried out, that evaluates several techniques w.r.t cost, implementation complexity and rejection to load disturbances. The non-linear behavior of the power converters is closely approximated using State Space Averaging (SSA). The design of appropriate control techniques is carried out using linearized state equations and is found more effective and robust to environmental changes as compared to the conventional methods. In the proposed technique, a practical case for solar energy harvester has been analyzed and a Linear Quadratic Control scheme has been proposed for the photovoltaic (PV) system using SSA linear model. Controller gains are chosen so as to ensure system stability. Finally, the MPPT system has been verified in Matlab simulink, using mathematical modeling for PV cells and power electronic circuit configurations.