An Enhanced P and O Algorithm for Maximum Power Point Tracking

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology was introduced by various PV markets globally by replacing the conventional energy resources. However, the efficiency continues to be an enormous challenge for researchers in PV industry. The solar trackers and MPP (maximum power point) algorithms are implemented with PV modules for performance enhancement. This paper introduces the solar tracker with an improved P & O (Perturb and Observe) algorithm for standalone solar PV system. The modified P&O algorithm restricts the power curve search space to a region of 20 percent containing maximum power point (MPP) and begins perturbation and observation within the small search area. Solar tracker ensures that the solar module is accessible continuously and with optimal irradiance throughout the sun's path during the day. Confinement of the search space of the algorithm reduces the response time to the varying climatic conditions, which in effect reduces the steady-state oscillations at the MPP in return. The proposed program was verified experimentally, the findings of which confirmed the efficacy of the proposed P&O algorithm.