Photovoltaic Systems for Electrolysis Using a Maximum Power Point Tracker

Electrolysis is the process of decomposition of a substance into its chemical components by an electric current. The process takes place in a solution by an electrolytic cell usually at low voltage and high current. A circuit with a voltage source and an internal resistance may represent the characteristic of the electrolytic cell. An example is a chlorinator used in salt-water swimming and spa pools to produce in situ chlorine for disinfection. This paper deals with the analysis of a photovoltaic chlorinator system and compares the amount of electric charge delivered to systems when operating with and without a maximum power point tracker (MPPT). Good operation of the electrolytic system load line is obtained if the line is to the left of the maximum power line of the photovoltaic array. Using an MPPT in the system may increase the electric charge to the electrolytic cell, and thus, may reduce the required number of PV panels.