Interpolative based implementation of a photovoltaic panel

The paper presents a solution that provides for photovoltaic control systems estimations of coordinates of the maximum power point (MPP) using interpolation. The solution overcomes the problematic issues of the classical search methods and it performs correctly even for rapidly changing environmental conditions. Assuming knowledge about the PV panel characteristics, a reference value generator is designed to estimate the total radiation and the temperature of the panel and to output the voltage coordinate of the MPP using a two dimensional interpolative block. In order to follow the MPP, a DC-DC converter is used and its duty cycle is controlled through a discrete-time PI controller with ARW. The models, used to analyze the behavior of two photovoltaic systems, one with buck converter and one with boost converter, are given. The study emphasizes the ability of the system to follow in real time the changes of environmental conditions.