Single current sensor with multiple constant current charging method in solar battery charger

Photovoltaic is a non-linear power source which requires additional control system namely the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system. This additional system ensures maximum power can be harvested from PV panel at all-time even in changing irradiance. Conventionally MPPT is implemented using multiplication of current and voltage generated from PV panel whereas charging control is implemented using the load current and load voltage parameter. This paper presents a single current sensor solar battery charger which is able to perform both MPP and charging control using only the output current parameter. Using this method the total number of sensors used can be reduced. Experimental test is carried out to study the system performance.