Matlab based modeling of photovoltaic array characteristics

Abstract

Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been reined by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiant energy accounts for most of the usable renewable energy on earth. Photovoltaic (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. In this thesis, the PV array is modeled and its voltage-current characteristics and power-voltage characteristics are simulated and optimized. The main encumbrance for the reach of Photovoltaic systems is their low efficiency and high capital cost. Here we intend to examine a schematic to draw out maximum obtainable solar power from a PV module for use in a DC application. The concept of Maximum Power Point Tracking is to be implemented which results in appreciable increase in the efficiency of the Photovoltaic System. Different schemes of MPPT algorithms such as Perturb and Observe, Incremental Conductance, Fractional Open Circuit Voltage, Fractional Short Circuit Current, Fuzzy Logic Control, Neural Network are to be studied and implemented. The MPPT algorithm thus proposed will identify the suitable duty ratio in which the DC/DC converter should be operated to obtain maximum power output.