An intelligent off-line MPPT technique for PV applications

Harnessing energy from the abundant and free sunlight is now a days a hot topic among the research community. The availability of cheap solar modules has made it possible to harvest solar energy with better efficiency. The nature of solar modules is non linear and therefore the process of impedance matching is essential. The proper impedance matching ensures extraction of the maximum power from solar PV module. Several algorithms are reported in literature that are used to operate the DC-DC converter around Maximum Power Point (MPP). Among those algorithms off-line techniques are considered the easiest to implement. However, intermittent measurement of Short Circuit Current (SCC)/Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) results in the power loss. The decision about the measurement of SCC/OCV is often based on the irradiance/temperature sensors. In this paper we propose a modified algorithm for off-line MPPT techniques. The proposed technique decides intelligently about the measurement of SCC/OCV. The technique is modeled and simulated in Matlab/Simulink and the results shows satisfactory performance against test conditions.