Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Based on

Incremental Conductance for PV Arrays with DC-DC Boost

Converters.
Project report submitted
in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of

Bachelor of Technology
in
Electrical Engineering
By
Pramod kumar sonkar
(18JE0613)

Department of Electrical Engineering

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (INDIAN

SCHOOL OF MINES) DHANBAD, 826004

May 2022
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) Based on Incremental Conductance for PV Arrays with DC-DC
Boost Converters.” submitted by Pramod kumar sonkar (Adm no: 18JE0613)
in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of
Technology in Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian
School of Mines), Dhanbad is an authentic work carried out by him under my
supervision and guidance. To the best of my knowledge the report embedded
has not been submitted to any other university/institute for the award of any
degree or diploma.

Pramod kumar sonkar Signature of guide:

(Admno:18JE0613)
Date:
 DECLARATION

I declare that this written submission represents my ideas in my own

words,and where others' ideas or words have been included, I have
adequately cited and referenced the original sources.I also declare that I
have adhered to all principles of academic honesty and integrity and have
not misrepresented or fabricated or falsified any idea/data/fact/source in
my submission. I understand that any violation of the above will be cause
for disciplinary action by the Institute and can also evoke penal action
from the sources which have thus not been properly cited or from whom
proper permission has not been taken when needed.

(Signature)
(Pramod kumar sonkar)
(Adm No: 18JE0613)

Date: 11-05-2022
 INDEX

1.INTRODUCTION(7)
1.1 SOLAR (PV) MODULES(8)
1.2 PV ARRAY(9)

2.CHARACTERISTICS OF PV CELL(10)

3.MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING(12)

4.SIMULATION MODEL(13)

5.INCREMENTAL CONDUCTANCE
ALGORITHM (INC)(14)

5.1FLOW CHART OF INC ALGORITHM(15)

5.2BOOST CONVERTER CIRCUIT(17)
5.2.1WORKING OF BOOST CONVERTER
CIRCUIT(18)

6.WAVEFORMS(19)

7.ADVANTAGES, DISADVANTAGES AND

APPLICATIONS(21)

8.CONCLUSION(22)
9.REFERENCES(23)
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It gives us immense pleasure to express our deepest sense of gratitude

and sincere thanks to our highly respected and esteemed guide Prof.
Pradip Kumar Sadhu, Professor, Electrical Engineering Department, IIT
(ISM) Dhanbad, for his valuable guidance, encouragement, and help in
completing this work. His useful suggestions for this whole work and
cooperative behavior are sincerely acknowledged.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Prof. Kalyan Chatterjee,

Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, for
giving us this opportunity to undertake this project.

We are also grateful to our teachers and staff of the Electrical

Engineering Department for their constant support and guidance. In the
end, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all our friends and
others who helped us directly or indirectly during this project work.
 ABSTRACT

One of the largest sources of renewable energy is power generation

from solar energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells. All of this project is
about an improved MPPT control strategy based on the Incremental
Conductance Method (INC). This project presents a methodology that
provides users with a variety of techniques for maximizing the electrical
energy generated by solar systems. PV cells are becoming more
important in solar energy generation because solar cells convert solar
radiation directly into electrical energy without affecting the atmosphere.
The main disadvantage of solar energy systems is that solar radiation
changes hourly over time.

Panel efficiency can be improved by extracting maximum power from the

panel using a suitable DCDC converter and a highly efficient maximum
power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. Of the many MPPT algorithms
available, the incremental conductance algorithm is highly efficient
because it has steady-state accuracy and can be easily adjusted to
changing environmental conditions, increasing the efficiency of PV
systems. All parts of the system were programmatically simulated using
MATLAB. The results obtained show the efficiency of the algorithm used
to extract maximum power regardless of changes in solar irradiance and
cell temperature.

Keywords — Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), Incremental

Conductance (IC), PV Cell, Algorithm, MATLAB Simulation.
 1. INTRODUCTION

Renewable sources of energy acquire growing importance due to their

enormous consumption and exhaustion of fossil fuel. Also, solar energy
is the most readily available source of energy and it is free. solar energy
is the best among all the renewable energy sources since it is non-
polluting. The energy supplied by the sun in one hour is equal to the
amount of energy required by humans in one year.

The power demand is increasing day by day due to the depletion of

conventional energy sources, hence now a day very high importance is
given to Renewable Energy Sources like Solar and wind where the
energy is available seasonally.

The main advantage of renewable energy sources is that they are free
and unlimited. Solar energy is one of the most widely used renewable
energies for power generation. Solar energy is a more reliable,
environmentally friendly, and ready-to-use renewable energy source.
Due to the inefficiency and high cost of this solar system, it depends on
different types of sunlight.

A PV system is a complete power generation unit consisting of any

number of PV modules and panels. PV module and array performance
are typically assessed by maximum DC output power (watts) under
standardized test conditions (STC).

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) or, in some cases simply, power
point tracking (PPT) is a technique used with variable power supplies to
maximize power extraction under a variety of conditions. This technique
is most commonly used in photovoltaic systems, but it can also be used
in wind turbines, optical power transmission, and photovoltaics.

The incremental conductivity algorithm detects the slope of the P-V

curve and MPP is tracked by finding the peak of the P-V curve. This
algorithm uses instantaneous conductance I / V and incremental
conductance dI / dV for MPPT. To increase efficiency and overcome
shortcomings, it is necessary to extract most of the power from these
systems using an algorithm called the Maximum Power Point Tracking
Algorithm. Another method is a physical tracking technique that aligns
the PV panels so that they are orthogonal to the sun's rays throughout
the day.
A DC to DC converter is needed for implementing MPPT. The DC-DC
converter delivers the maximum power from the PV module to the load
by adjusting the duty cycle and is able to distribute a maximum power
when the load changes. Some common DC-DC converter topologies for
implementing MPPT are Buck converter, Boost converter, Cuk
converter, Full bridge converter, and Buck-Boost converter.

1.1 SOLAR (PV) MODULES

A solar panel is a single photovoltaic module consisting of an array of

connected solar cells. Solar cells absorb sunlight as an energy source
and generate electricity. Several modules are used to power the
building.The basic component of a solar module is a solar cell. Multiple
low voltage PV cells (~ 0.5V) Connected in series (to generate high
voltage) and in parallel (to generate high current) Form a module.

Individual solar cells can be combined into a module commonly known

as a solar panel. Remember that these solar cells are small, although
not so many in their own right. Combined with one large solar panel, it
can generate a significant amount of renewable energy.Solar panels are
made up of multiple modules, but the term solar modules and solar
panels are often used interchangeably. Panels connected in parallel are
shown in the figure given below, the configuration forms an array.The
solar cell is a forward biased PN junction diode. It works in response to
voltage produced when exposed to visible radiation.

Figure 1. Building blocks of a solar PV system

 1.2 PV ARRAY

A photovoltaic array is a chain of modules. The PV system is a linked

collection of PV modules. Each photovoltaic (PV) module consists of
multiple interconnected PV cells. The cell converts solar energy into
direct current.

A PV array is basically a connection of many serial and / or parallel

photovoltaic arrays. The power generated by each module may not be
sufficient to meet the transaction demand, so the modules are protected
in a grid format or as a frame to meet the demand.

A simple equivalent circuit of a solar cell consists of an ideal current

source and a real diode in parallel. The ideal power source provides
power proportional to the solar flux it is exposed to.

Figure 2. Ideal vs. Actual PV module

 2. I-V AND P-V CHARACTERISTICS
OF PV CELL

The I-V characteristic curve of a solar cell shows the current and voltage
(I-V) characteristics of a particular photovoltaic (PV) cell, module, or
array. Contains a detailed description of the ability and efficiency to
convert solar energy. Knowing the electrical I-V characteristics of a solar
cell or module (more importantly Pmax) is important for determining the
power output and solar efficiency of the device.

Figure 3. P-V & I-V Characteristics of typical Silicon PV Cell

The graph below shows the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a

typical silicon PV cell operating under normal conditions. The power
supplied by a single solar cell or module is the product of output current
and voltage (I x V).

In general, the use of solar energy is increasing rapidly and is an

important contribution to general energy consumption, especially in the
household sector. Demand has increased from 20% to 25% over the last
20 years.Demand for photovoltaic systems has grown exponentially in
recent years. The rapid development of various fossil fuels has reduced
supply, has a major impact on climate, and has caused biosphere
destruction and global warming. Increasingly available solar energy has
made it possible to harvest and use it properly.
PV can be a power generation unit connected to the grid or another
power generation unit based on the grid accessible in the area. It can
also be used to provide power to rural areas where the capacity of the
grid is limited. Easy to carry wherever you need it is another advantage
of using solar energy. Solar panels basically consist of individual solar
cells (usually 32 or 72 cells).The theory of operation of solar cells is
basically the same as photovoltaic effect. In general, the photovoltaic
effect is intended for possible differences in the pn junction because it
comes into contact with visible light or other radiation.

The IV and PV curves of the solar panel are very important for the study
of these curves such as maximum power points tracking (MPPT), to
different technology and analyzed algorithms. Figure 3 shows the normal
IV and PV curves.
 3. MAXIMUM POWER POINT
TRACKER (MPPT)

MPPT or maximum power point tracking is an algorithm found in

charging controllers used to extract the maximum power available from a
PV module under certain conditions.The voltage at which a PV module
can generate maximum power is called the maximum power point (or
peak power voltage). The maximum output depends on the amount of
solar radiation, ambient temperature, and solar cell temperature.

A typical PV module generates approximately 17V power with a

maximum output voltage of measured at a cell temperature of 25°C. It
can drop to about 15 V on very hot days and increased to 18 V on very
cold days.Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an electronic
system that harnesses PV to achieve maximum power. The MPPT is not
a mechanical tracking system, but an MPPT can be used concurrently
with a mechanical tracking system. The peak power point (MPP) is not
located at a specific point, but moves around the PV curve depending on
light intensity and temperature.

The Incremental Conductance method with direct control is exercised in

selecting the appropriate step size to quickly give the optimum score. In
this technique, the solar power output is adjusted to the position of the
peak power point, which depends on the instantaneous and increasing
conductivity of the PV array.

The operating voltage at the maximum power point based on the PV

module is very low. Due to the low voltage, the load cannot be
connected directly. By using a traditional boost converter, the low
voltage is boosted based on the load requirements. The switching
voltage of the boost converter is usually high during the conversion time.
 4. SIMULATION (SIMULINK) MODEL

Fig. Incremental Conductance Algorithm in Simulink Modeling

 5. INCREMENTAL CONDUCTANCE
ALGORITHM

The incremental conductance algorithm is considered one of the most

effective ways to track the maximum power point of a module. This
method uses the instantaneous rate of change of power (dP / dV) with
respect to voltage to find the Maximum Power Point. The incremental
conductivity algorithm detects the slope of the P-V curve and MPP is
tracked by finding the peak of the P-V curve. Incremental Conductance
values are the most mathematically demanding MPPT method.

The equation for implementing the INC algorithm can be easily found as
follows:

The equation for power is given as

P=V*I

On differentiating the above equation with respect to voltage yields,

The prerequisite for maximum power point tracking is that the gradient is
dP / dV must be equal to zero and on substituting in the above equation,
5.1 Flow chart describing the INC Algorithm is
shownbelow:

Due to the enormous computational requirements of incremental

conductance systems, electrical equipment is much more expensive
than comparable MPPT systems. Also, the system requires more
components than many competing electrical circuits. Combining these
two realities, creating an incremental conductivity system can be very
costly and difficult. From a performance standpoint, incremental
conductance is excellent at covering large changes in irradiance, as it
can change the voltage level to an accurate MPP value in the same way
that irradiance changes. In addition, it does not oscillate around a true
MPP like perturb and Observe, making it a much better option if the
MPP does not change frequently.

MATLAB FUNCTION CODE: -

function D = MPPT (V, v, I, i, d)

d = 0.58;
dv=V-v;
di=I-i;
if(dv==0)
if(di==0)
D=d;
else
if(di>0)
D=d+0.05;
else
D=d-0.05;
end
end
end

if(di/dv==(I/V))
D=d;
else:
if(di/dv > I/v)
D=d+0.05;
else:
D=d-0.05;
end
end

Incremental Conductance tracks large changes well, but they generally

take longer to respond to voltage changes and make appropriate
corrections than P & O because it takes time to measure all important
electrical factors. Finally, incremental conductance has been
experimentally proven to produce more output power compared to all its
algorithms MPPT counterpoint. Therefore, depending on your budget,
this can be a great solution.

Through this experimental work, simulation of PV system Incremental

conductance MPPT algorithm was successful Implemented in Matlab /
Simulink. So it forces PV Modules that operate near the operating point
of maximum power pull out the maximum available power. Output result
Inverter performance shows that it reaches maximum pulls power and
always operates near maximum the operating point of the PV module.
 5.2 BOOST CONVERTER CIRCUIT

Fig. Boost Converter Circuit

In the above DC-DC Boost Converter Circuit, the values of R = 100 ohm, L = 100 mH
and C = 1000 mF

DC-DC converters are also known as Choppers. A gain converter or

boost converter boosts the DC input voltage to a specified DC output
voltage.The DC input to the boost converter can come from a variety of
sources as well as batteries, such as rectified AC from mains, or DC
from solar panels, fuel cells, generators, etc. generators and DC
generators.

In order to increase the output power to the desired level, we need a

system that boosts the DC voltage. The boost converter is used to
realize the system shown above. The step-up process is realized without
the use of a transformer. The boost converter circuit consists of an
inductor, a diode, and a high-frequency regulator. By managing the
switch gate pulse through duty cycle regulation, the amplitude of the
output voltage can be increased relative to the input voltage level.
5.2.1 WORKING OF BOOST CONVERTER CIRCUIT

The Working Operation of the boost converter is as follows: -

1. Charging Mode:This mode is called charging mode because the

inductor starts charging from the power supply. The charging
current is expected to change linearly, but experiments show that
the charging current has an exponential nature. Diodes in this
mode cancel the movement of current from the source on the way
to charging. In charge mode, only the inductor is charged to the
desired level by the source voltage and nothing is transferred to
the load.

2. Discharging Mode: Here the diode is forward biased

and the switch is open. This mode is called discharge mode
because the charged inductor begins to discharge. The load is
now connected to the mains voltage and the capacitor to meet the
load requirements of the boost converter in this operating mode.

Here, the step-up converter increases the output voltage of the PV

generator. The Boost Converter circuit acts as a two-port network.
If you change the MPPT duty cycle here, the output resistance will
change accordingly, the input resistance will change, the current
will change, and the system output power will change. You can
also use a buck converter instead of a boost converter here.
6. INPUT / OUTPUT WAVEFORMS

# VOLTAGE SENSOR WAVEFORM

# CURRENT SENSOR WAVEFORM

# OUTPUT WAVEFORM
 7. ADVANTAGES,
DISADVANTAGES AND
APPLICATIONS

# ADVANTAGESof MPPT method in photovoltaicsystems: -

1. By using this method, you can compare MPPT solar controllers.

2. You can optimize the voltage and DC load of your PV system.

3. Ideal for solar systems where the energy is greater than the
battery capacity.

4. Sustainable system, no frequent collapse of PV power, improved

efficiency.

# DISADVANTAGES of MPPT method in photovoltaic systems:-

1. Very expensive compared to other solar systems.

2. Depends on special and accurate sensors such as voltage and / or

current sensors.

3. With more electronic components and more thermal stresses, the

life is shortened.

4. It is larger and therefore more difficult to handle.

# APPLICATIONS of MPPT method in photovoltaic systems: -

1. It can be used in urban areas as an extension of a distributed

generation system under a smart grid system.

2. It can be installed in desert areas to generate a sufficient amount

of energy for small towns and villages.

3. It has become an essential component for assessing the design

performance of PV energy systems.

4. It can be used in rural areas as well as in border areas by the

military.
 8. CONCLUSION

Here, in this project, an MPPT ruleset with modified incremental

conductance was designed, simulated, and the effect of using Matlab /
Simulink was discovered. This modified MPPT ruleset has succeeded in
the normal national growth and dynamic operation of PV systems. This
allows you to get the maximum amount of energy from the sun's rays
and provide a powerful and environmentally friendly power source. The
above effects also show that the proposed MPPT rule set is effective for
monitoring most radiation levels and effectively provides maximum
intensity for PV arrays. In addition, this proposed MPPT rule set allowed
maximum intensity with a minimal charge and minimum intensity loss.
 9. REFERENCES

1. Ram, J. P., Badu, T. S., & Rajasekar, N. (2017). A comprehensive

review on solar PV maximum power point tracking
techniques. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 67(1),
826–848.Article

2. H. Patel and V. Agarwal, “MATLAB-based modeling to study the

effects of partial shading on PV array characteristics,” IEEE
Transactions on Energy Conversion, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 302–310,
2008.Article

3. A. Amir, J. Selvaraj, and N. A. Rahim, “Study of the MPP tracking

algorithms: focusing the numerical method
techniques,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 62,
pp. 350–371, 2016.Article

4. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) Wikipedia

5. J. P. Ram, T. S. Babu, and N. Rajasekar, “A comprehensive

review on solar PV maximum power point tracking
techniques,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 67,
pp. 826–847, 2017.Article