P&O MPPT Explanation and Code in MATLAB/Simulink!

P&O MPPT Explanation and Code in MATLAB/Simulink!

Introduction

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PV Characteristics of Solar Array

We begin with the PV characteristics of a solar array, also known as a solar panel. Here, let's consider the panel working at three positions: point 1, the Maximum Power Point (MPP) at point MPP, and point 2.

Points Analysis

• Point 1:

  • Moving from point 1 to a lower point results in decreased power and voltage.
  • To move towards the Maximum Power Point, increase the voltage, and consequently, the power will increase too.
  • If moving along the curve upwards from point 1, both power and voltage increase, but it may still not reach MPP. In this instance, decrease the duty cycle while increasing the voltage using a boost converter.

• Point 2:

  • Moving below point 2 results in decreased power and increased voltage.
  • Moving above point 2 results in increased power but decreased voltage.
  • In this scenario, decrease the duty cycle to steer the voltage towards the Maximum Power Point.

Perturb and Observe (P&O) Algorithm

This is a simple algorithm to implement:

1. Flow Chart Explanation:
   • Start by measuring the input voltages.
   • Calculate the power, P.
   • Compare initial power and previous power:
     • If their difference is zero, you’re at MPP.
     • If not, check if the power difference is greater than or less than zero.
     • Decide whether to increase or decrease the voltage and duty cycle accordingly.

Code Explanation

Here's a breakdown of how the code works:

1. Define a function d for Perturb and Observe, taking voltage and current as input parameters.
2. Initialize previous values for voltage, current, and duty cycle.
3. Set values within the limits of the PV array, ideally initializing near the MPP.
4. Define delta_d, the incremental increase in voltage for the boost converter.
5. Calculate power based on input to determine whether the increase in power is positive or negative.
6. Use conditional statements to adjust the duty cycle:
   • If the power difference is positive and the voltage difference is positive, decrease the duty cycle.
   • Update previous values for subsequent iterations.

Conclusion

We hope you found this explanation helpful. For more detailed simulation, you may refer to our previous videos on MPPT circuits.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We're here to help!

Keywords

• PV characteristics
• Maximum Power Point (MPP)
• Perturb and Observe (P&O)
• Duty cycle
• Boost converter
• MATLAB/Simulink code
• Solar array

FAQs

1. What does MPP stand for in a solar array?

• MPP stands for Maximum Power Point, which is the point on the PV curve where the product of current and voltage is maximum.

2. How does the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm work?

• The P&O algorithm works by perturbing (increasing or decreasing) the voltage and observing the effect on power. If the power increases, the perturbation continues in the same direction; otherwise, it is reversed.

3. What is the role of a boost converter in MPPT?

• A boost converter helps in stepping up the voltage to a desired level, which is essential in adjusting the PV array's output to operate at the Maximum Power Point.

4. Why is it important to initialize previous values of voltage and current in the code?

• Initializing previous values is vital to determine the change in voltage and power, which guides the adjustment of the duty cycle in subsequent iterations.