Last modified: 2024-09-10
Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) systems, serve as sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources. PV systems convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells, commonly constructed from semiconductor materials. However, the output power of a PV system is highly dependent on environmental factors. MPPT techniques are crucial for optimizing the power output of PV systems by continuously adjusting the operating point to track the Maximum Power Point (MPP). The MPP represents the voltage and current combination at which the PV system delivers its maximum power output for a given set of environmental conditions. MPPT techniques ensure that the system operates efficiently and extracts the maximum available power from the solar irradiance. Among MPPT techniques, the Perturb and Observe (P&O) method is notable for its simplicity and effectiveness. P&O operates by perturbing the operating point of the PV system, typically by varying the system voltage and observing the resulting change in power output. Based on the direction of the power change, the operating point is adjusted accordingly, either increasing or decreasing the voltage. This iterative process continues until the MPP is reached or approximated. Despite its limitations, the P&O technique remains widely used in PV systems, particularly in small to medium-scale installations where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are paramount. Continuous research efforts aim to mitigate the shortcomings of P&O and improve its performance under challenging operating conditions.
In this context, the performance of solar modules under various environmental conditions is analyzed. The main contribution of this paper is the implementation of the P&O algorithm using MATLAB/Simulink program.