Adaptive Step Size With Adaptive-Perturbation-Frequency Digital MPPT Controller for a Single-Sensor Photovoltaic Solar System

This paper presents a load-current-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) digital controller with an adaptive-step-size and adaptive-perturbation-frequency algorithm. Only one sensor is needed in the controller circuitry since the MPPT controller is only utilizing the load current information. By utilizing a variable step-size algorithm, the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of the PV system MPPT are improved when compared to the fixed step-size load-current-based algorithm. Furthermore, the proposed adaptive algorithm utilizes a novel variable perturbation frequency scheme which further improves the controller speed. The concept and operation of the load-current adaptive-step-size and adaptive-perturbation-frequency MPPT controller are presented, analyzed, and verified by results obtained from a proof-of-concept experimental prototype.