T. Tafticht, K. Agbossou and M.L. Doumbia
In most maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods described in the literature, the optimal operating point of the PV systems is estimated by linear approximations. These…
Abstract
Purpose
In most maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods described in the literature, the optimal operating point of the PV systems is estimated by linear approximations. These approximations can reduce considerably the performances of the PV systems. This paper seeks to provide comparative analyses of different MPPT methods used in photovoltaic (PV) systems and proposes a new approach that uses a nonlinear expression of the optimal voltage in combination with perturbation and observation (P&O) methods.
Design/methodology/approach
First, an analytical model for determining the nonlinear PV optimal operating point is detailed and each equation is explained. Second, a combination of the new method with P&O method is proposed to reduce the PV losses.
Findings
The simulation results showed that the approach improves clearly the tracking efficiency of the maximum power available at the PV modules output. The implementation of this new method will improve PV systems energy production rate and its long‐term storage in hydrogen form.
Practical implications
The simulation results showed that the new approach improves the MPP's tracking efficiency of the PV system on average at 92 percent. The implementation of the developed approach in a PV system with hydrogen storage increased the energy transfer from PV modules to the electrolyzer.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a new approach to determine the maximum power point (MPP) from the measurement of the open circuit voltage of PV modules. A nonlinear expression of the optimal voltage was developed and is used in combination with P&O methods. The proposed approach largely improves the performance of the MPP tracking of the PV systems.
Details
Keywords
Andreas D. Theocharis, Vasilis P. Charalampakos, Anastasios Drosopoulos and John Milias‐Argitis
The purpose of this paper is to develop a linearized equivalent electrical circuit of a photovoltaic generator. This circuit is appropriate to confront problems such as numerical…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a linearized equivalent electrical circuit of a photovoltaic generator. This circuit is appropriate to confront problems such as numerical instability, increased computational time and nonlinear/non‐canonical form of system equations that arise when a photovoltaic system is modelled, either with differential equations or with equivalent resistive circuits that are generated by electromagnetic transient software packages for power systems studies.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed technique is based on nonlinear and well‐tested ipv−vpv equations which are however used in an alternative mathematical manner. The application of the Newton‐Raphson algorithm on the ipv−vpv equations leads to uncoupling of the ipv and vpv quantities in each time step of a digital simulation. This uncoupling is represented by a linearized equivalent electrical circuit.
Findings
The application of nodal analysis equivalent resistive circuits using the proposed equivalent photovoltaic generator circuit leads to a system model based on linear algebraic equations. This is in opposition to the nonlinear models that normally result when a nonlinear ipv−vpv equation is used. In addition, using the proposed scheme, the regular systematic methods of circuit analysis are fully capable of deriving the differential equations of a photovoltaic system in standard form, thus avoiding the time‐consuming solution process of nonlinear models.
Originality/value
In this paper, a new method of using the ipv−vpv characteristic equations is proposed which remarkably simplifies photovoltaic systems modeling. Moreover, a very important practical application is that by using this methodology one can develop a photovoltaic generator element in electromagnetic transient programs for power systems analysis, of great value to power engineers who are involved in photovoltaic systems modeling.