Multiple-Power-Sample Based P&O MPPT for Fast-Changing Irradiance Conditions for a Simple Implementation

This article proposes an improved maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method that features a simple design, and improved efficiency in fast-changing irradiance conditions. The method uses three consecutive measurements and compares the power difference between each two consecutive samples, furthermore the voltage variation between the last two successive samples is observed. According to the obtained result of these comparisons, the algorithm applies the suitable action either increasing or decreasing the voltage. This simple concept allows easy implementation and reduces the implementation cost and calculation burden. Second, the method has a prompt tracking response during fast changes in solar irradiance (e.g., due to passing clouds). The proposed method is validated through experimental tests using solar irradiance profiles according to the EN50530 standard and is compared to the classical Perturb and Observe method. The experimental results show that the proposed MPPT effectively identifies the change in solar irradiance, and maintains high tracking efficiency even in fast-changing conditions.