MPPT Scheme for Small Scale Photovoltaic Systems Using dSPACE

This paper presents a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) scheme for a small photovoltaic (PV) system. The algorithm for the proposed scheme has been formulated using the mathematical equations which describe the non-linear characteristics of a PV panel under different levels of insolation and temperature. The scheme uses only the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of the PV panel. The control strategy developed is simple and is implemented in Simulink using dSPACE. The scheme particularly suits small PV systems and is tested on a small PV panel illuminated by a sun-simulator assembly. The power-versus-voltage characteristics for the panel have been shown at different levels of insolation along with the tracked maximum power.