Current estimation based maximum power point tracker of grid connected PV system

This paper proposes a novel sensor-less maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The method is based on dividing the operating time into several intervals in which the PV terminals are short circuited in one interval and the calculated short-current of the PV is obtained and used to determine the optimum operating point where the maximum output power can be obtained. The proposed MPPT algorithm has been introduced into a current-controlled boost converter whose duty ratio is controlled to maintain maximum power point (MPP) condition. The same sequence is then repeated regularly capturing the PV maximum power. The main advantage of this method is eliminating the current sensor. Meanwhile, this MPPT algorithm reduces the power oscillations around the peak power point which occurs with perturbation and observation algorithms. In addition, the total cost will decrease by removing the current sensor from the PV side. Finally, simulation results confirm the accuracy of the proposed method.