Design and implementation of a novel MPPT controller based on sun tracking technology

This paper describes the design and implementation of a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller to enhance the power output of photovoltaic (PV) system. The novel dynamic controller makes the PV array track the sun automatically by driving two DC motors in two axes. The PV array is nearly perpendicular to the sun during the daytime so as to obtain the maximum generation. Another important function of the controller is the adjustment of the load on the array so as to track the maximum power point (MPP) of the PV array. The traditional perturbation and observation (P&O)method presents drawbacks such as slow response speed, oscillation around the MPP in steady state, and even tracking in wrong way under rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. In this paper an improved perturbation and observation (IP&O) method is presented to overcome the drawbacks. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is confirmed experimentally.