Analysis of MPPT algorithms for photovoltaic panels based on ripple correlation techniques in presence of parasitic components

The maximum power point tracking algorithms based on power and voltage (or current) ripple components have been proved to allow an effective and low cost analog implementation, suitable for interfacing photovoltaic (PV) panels with batteries or inverters connected to the utility grid. However, when exploiting the inherent switching frequency ripple components caused by power converters, PV panel reactive parasitic elements, like output shunt capacitance and series inductance, can play a key role in determining the overall algorithm efficiency. The paper addresses this topic by investigating the effect of these parasitic components, through analytical models, as well as by simulations and experimental measurements, when a high-frequency (>100 kHz) DC-DC converter is employed as a MPP tracker.