Critical Performance Comparison Between Single-Stage and Two-Stage Incremental Conductance MPPT Algorithms for DC/DC Boost-Converter Applied in PV Systems
C. Lupangu, Akshay Kumar Saha, Ramesh C. Bansal, Jackson J. Justo
Abstract
Operating with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) strategy is the key functions of the solar energy management system in solar PV deployment. Therefore, in this paper, the strengths and weaknesses of the MPPT based on an incremental conductance (IC) algorithm are analyzed. Furthermore, assessments in terms of performance of two MPPT-IC techniques are presented. More specifically, a two-stage optimized MPPT-IC algorithm in this study is developed and implemented for isolated solar PV system with the conventional single-stage MPPT-IC algorithm. Both MPPT-IC methods are analyzed and compared based on their tracking efficiencies, steady state error and transient speed responses. For the case of the two-mode MPPT-IC algorithm, significant modification is carried-out by combining the conventional IC and modified constant voltage methods. As a result, a better performance under both sunny and cloudy weather scenarios respectively is achieved with higher tracking efficiencies than the conventional IC algorithm. The two stage-algorithm not only rapidly tracks the maximum power point (MPP) under dynamic weather conditions, but also significantly reduces the fluctuations in power around the MPP when subjected to fast and slow speed’s change of irradiations.