Abstract

ABSTRACT In photovoltaic (PV) generation systems, the energy produced is limited by the low efficiency of the solar panels, the variability of weather conditions, and the characteristics of the load connected, so the use of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods is essential to maximize the power supplied. Implementing an MPPT requires a power converter as the interface between the PV array and the load, so the converter's behavior is also an important factor to be considered in the overall performance of a PV system. Several MPPT techniques have been proposed over the years, but little literature is still available when required to be compared to the combined performance of different MPPT/converter sets. In this context, the present work presents a comparative study of the performance of three MPPT techniques: constant voltage (CV), perturb and observe (P&O), and incremental conductance (IncCond), acting on two different topologies of DC-DC power converters: Buck and Buck-Boost. Each combination is analyzed considering its transient response and steady-state average efficiency. The study was carried out based on simulations in Matlab/Simulink environment. To obtain more realistic conditions, a model for the commercial PV module Kyocera KC85TS was developed. Results obtained from the PV system operating under various radiation and temperature conditions are compared and discussed, which show that the CV/Buck-Boost combination showed the best transient behavior and that the IncCond/Buck combination had the highest steady-state efficiency.