A New Maximum Power Point Tracking Scheme for Inverters

The photovoltaic generator exhibits a non-linear i-v characteristic and its maximum power point varies with solar insolation. In this paper, a voltage based maximum power point tracking scheme is developed for the inverters. Mathematical models are formulated and then a tracking algorithm is evolved. Combined photovoltaic system simulation model is developed in the PSIM power electronic circuit simulator. For a given solar insolation, the tracking algorithm changes the duty ratio of the inverter such that the solar cell array voltage equals to the voltage corresponding to the maximum power point. Simulation models are developed for the integrated inverter system with maximum power point scheme. The tracking effectiveness is verified through simulation studies. Experimental investigations are carried out, using a micro-controller, and a few sample measurement results are presented here for comparison purpose