Experimental Performance Benchmark for Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithms

Nowadays, photovoltaic (PV) applications (i.e., large PV plants, small-scale residential installations, vehicle-integrated PVs etc.) call for specific maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms characteristics, in terms or speed and accuracy. In this context, the development of an experimental testbench for the performance evaluation of MPPT algorithms, is presented in this paper. The proposed setup comprises a programmable DC power supply, along with a PV simulation interface, a programmable DC electronic load and a low-cost microcontroller unit. Its main focus is PV systems studies (from solar cell to PV array level) and MPPT algorithms assessment, in various operating conditions (i.e., both static and dynamic, variable irradiance and temperature, partial-shading etc.); additionally, any DC power source with variable current-voltage characteristics (e.g., thermoelectric generators) can be emulated and studied. Indicative experimental results highlight the necessity and flexibility of the developed system, saving time, cost and effort from the troubleshooting process, prior to the real system operation.