Maximum power point tracking control for photovoltaic system with ripple current

This paper proposes a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique for a photovoltaic (PV) system. A boost converter is designed to extract the maximum power from the PV panel with intended rippled currents. The control strategy is realized by a micro-controller with a phase-detection circuit. By detecting the phase difference between the PV current and voltage, the maximum power point (MPP) can be rapidly achieved. To constantly operate the PV panel at the MPP under unpredictable ambient conditions, the phase difference is observed continuously. The feasibility and the accuracy of the MPPT control strategy are confirmed by experimental tests.