An optimization power method for Photovoltaic array by tracking Maximum Average Current through Diode of Boost Converter

Abstract

In this paper, a method to optimize the power delivered by the Photovoltaic array (PV array) is presented by tracking the Maximum Average Current (MAC) passing through the diode of DC/DC boost converter. The main difference between the proposed method and the other Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) methods is that instead of tracking maximum power point directly on PV array, this method enables to search the maximum power of PV array by tracking the maximum power output of the DC/DC converter with only one current sensor. An hybrid power system, which includes a PV array, a DC/DC boost converter, an ideal battery and a resistor, is built and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink. The comparison between analytical and simulated results has proven that this method could be applied under various irradiation and photovoltaic temperature conditions.