TITLE:
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING (MPPT) CHARGE
CONTROLLER FOR SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
1.1INTRODUCTION:
The aim of this project is to design and develop an efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge
controller for solar power systems . The MPPT charge controller will be designed to optimize the energy
harvesting from solar panels and improve the overall efficiency of the solar power system.
1.2 BAGKGROUND
Solar power systems have become increasingly popular as a renewable energy source. However, the efficiency
of solar power systems is heavily dependent on the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorittm used to
optimize energy harvesting from solar panels. Traditional charge controllers ( Simple on-off Controller and Pulse
Width Modulation Controller) use a simple on/off control strategy, which can lead to significant energy losses.
1.3 PROBLEM DEFINITION:
The main problem addressed by this project is the inefficient energy harvesting from solar panels due to most
solar panels producing much higher voltage than is necessary to charge a battery and the lack of an optimized
MPPT algorithm in traditional charge controllers.
1.4 AIM
The aim of this project is to design and develop an efficient MPPT charge controller that can optimize energy
harvesting from solar panels and improve the overall efficiency of the solar power system. The (MPPT) controller
can convert extra volts into more current, which will charge the battery faster and be much more efficient.
1.4 OBJECTIVES
1. To design and develop an MPPT charge controller using a microcontroller-based system.
2. To implement an efficient MPPT algorithm to optimize energy harvesting from solar panels.
3. To test and validate the performance of the MPPT charge controller.
4. Enhance System Reliability of solar systems
5. Support Grid Integration between solar system and electricity
6. Reduce power losses of solar systems
7. Innovate and Advance Technology in renewable sources of energy
1.6 FUNCTIONALITY:
The MPPT charge controller will be designed to:
1. Monitor the solar panel voltage and current.
2. Implement an MPPT algorithm to optimize energy harvesting.
3. Control the charging process to ensure maximum energy transfer.
4. Provide a user interface for monitoring and control.
5. The solar charge controller also prevents the battery from discharging back through the solar panel at
night.
1.7 HYPOTHESES:
The MPPT charge controller will improve the efficiency of the solar power system by at least 40% compared to
traditional charge controllers. It does this by continuously adjusting the voltage and current of the solar panel to
match the optimal charging voltage of the battery. Most solar panels produce much higher voltage than is
necessary to charge a 12V battery. A 12V charging panel will actually produce 16 to 18 volts, depending on
conditions, but only about 14.6 volts is necessary to charge most 12V batteries. So, the MPPT controller can
convert those extra volts into more current, which will charge the battery faster and be much more efficient.
1.8 JUSTICATION:
The MPPT charge controller will be designed using a microcontroller-based system, which will allow for real-time
monitoring and control of the solar panel voltage and current. The implementation of an efficient MPPT algorithm
will ensure maximum energy harvesting from the solar panels. The project will optimize the power output of non-
smart solar systems intended for low budget custemers either in rural or urban areas by tracking the maximum
charging point for batteries throughout the day, which in turn enhance solar power harvesting.
1.9 CONCLUSION:
The proposed MPPT charge controller project aims to improve the efficiency of solar power systems by
optimizing energy harvesting from solar panels. The project will be completed within 12 weeks and will require a
budget of $200.
2.0 BUDGET
$200
Components
1. Arduino Nano
2. 20x4 LCD Display (1)
3. ACS712 Current Sensor
4. IR2104 IC
5. MOSFET IRFZ44 (4)
6. Transistor 2N2222A
7. Diode P6KE36CA
8. Diode 1N4007
9. Diode 1N4148 (2)
10. Push button switch (2)
11. Resistor 100K
12. Resistor 20K (2)
13. Resistor 470K
14. Resistor 10K (3)
15. Resistor 1K
16. Resistor 220 ohms (6)
17. Capacitor 220ųF
18. Capacitor 10ųF (2)
19. Capacitor 0.1ųF (6)
20. Inductor 33ųH
21. LED (red, green, yellow)
22. Solar panel 24V
23. Lead acid battery 12V
24. Terminal blocks (3)
25. Female headers 2sets
26. DC Jack
