FPGA based multi-module converter controller for photovoltaic maximum power point tracking

In this paper FPGA based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for photovoltaic (PV) multiple module power conditioning system (PCS) is proposed. Every module in the PCS contains a dc/dc boost converter and perturb and observe MPPT algorithm. Although multiple module control is performed using digital signal processors, it has some limitation such as delay in execution and lack of parallel processing. However, these limitations can be overcome using FPGA, as it is capable of doing parallel processing, which is invariably required in multi-module PV systems. To verify the proposed MPPT method a couple of 50 W modules were used.