Economical, PV maximum power point tracking regulator with simplistic controller

Date
1993
Authors
Wolf S.M.M.
Enslin J.H.R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
A 30% cost reduction of photovoltaic generation can be brought about, by the investment in a novel, highly efficient maximum power point tracker (MPPT). Such a converter is currently under development, implementing a feedforward output current controller as tracking algorithm. The dc-to-dc converter, typical of a MPPT, exploits the efficient high-frequency operation, associated with zero-transition switching. Thus the output filter only consists of the combination of a storage battery and its cabling. The resulting converter is suitable for integration into standard PV panels during manufacturing. The efficiency of the MPPT is 96% for a range of output powers at a low battery voltage of 12,5V and a component cost of US$21,00.
Description
Keywords
Costs, Efficiency, Electric variables control, Energy conversion, Solar cells, Switching circuits, Feedforward output current controller, Power point tracking regulators, Simplistic controllers, Zero transition switching, Photovoltaic cells
Citation
PESC Record - IEEE Annual Power Electronics Specialists Conference