A Photovoltaic System for Remote Fault Detection in Distribution Lines Using a Novel MPPT Algorithm

This paper presents the development of a photo-voltaic voltaic system used to feed a remote fault detector for 11.4kV and 22kV lines. The photovoltaic module also charges two 18Ah Lead-Acid batteries which maintain the circuit on at night. A Buck converter was used to interface the PV module and the battery bank. This MOSFET-based converter is controlled by a new MPPT algorithm developed in order to extract the maximum power of the PV module taking into account battery charging characteristics and noise effects in current and voltage measurements. The system is controlled by a TMS320LF2811 DSP, from Texas Instruments, which searches for the maximum power point of the PV module and also interfaces with the communication system, based on a 50km range mobile radio, PRO5100, from Motorola.