Incremental Conductance Based Model Predictive Control Algorithm for Solar PV Module for Tracking of MPP

Abstract

The great advances in Photovoltaic (PV) efficiency and performance are valuable only if they are coupled with effective mechanisms for tracking and controlling the operating conditions of the PV system to ensure that it operates at or near the Maximum Power Point (MPP). Only then can the system produce the maximum amount of power for a given set of conditions, maximizing the benefits of the advances in PV technology. In this paper, an Incremental Conductance (InC) based Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithm is used to track the MPP. To assess its effectiveness the performance of an INC-based MPC algorithm in the photovoltaics field has been evaluated against two of the most used algorithms, (Perturb and Observe) P&O and INC. And also compared with PI-based MPP since it is one of the recommended controllers in industrial applications. This comparative analysis has been done for a sudden change in temperature and irradiance. The complete setup has been done in MATLAB/SIMULINK set including DC-DC Boost converter solar PV Module and algorithms. DC-DC Boost converter is used for getting higher value in the output. The overall efficiency is higher in INC-based MPC and less fluctuation is obtained at MPP.