International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive System (IJPEDS)

Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2017, pp. 434~443

ISSN: 2088-8694, DOI: 10.11591/ijpeds.v8i1.pp434-443  434

Implementation in Arduino of MPPT Using Variable Step Size

P&O Algorithm in PV Installations

Mustapha Elyaqouti1, Safa Hakim2, Sadik Farhat3, Lahoussine Bouhouch4, Ahmed Ihlal5
1,3,4
ERTAIER, ESTA Ibn Zohr University, BP 33/S, 80000 Agadir, Morocco
2
LMTI, FS Ibn Zohr University, BP 8106, 80000 Agadir, Morocco
5
LMER, FS Ibn Zohr University, BP 8106, 80000 Agadir, Morocco

Article Info ABSTRACT

Article history: In order to maximize the electric energy production of a photovoltaic
generator (PVG), the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are
Received Oct 31, 2016 usually used in photovoltaic systems. The principle of these techniques is to
Revised Jan 06, 2017 operate the PVG to the maximum power point (MPP), which depends on the
Accepted Jan 16, 2017 environmental factors, such as solar irradiance and ambient temperature,
ensuring the optimal power transfer between PVG and load. In this paper, we
present the implementation of two digital MPPT commands using the
Keyword: Arduino Mega type. The two proposed MPPT controls are based on the
algorithm of perturb and observe (P&O), the first one with fixed perturbation
Boost converter step and the second one with two perturbations step varying with some
MPPT conditions. The experimental results show that the P&O algorithm with
P&O algorithm variable step perturbation gives good results compared to the P&O algorithm
P&O Algorithm with Variable with fixed perturbation step in terms of the time response and the oscillations
Step around the MPP.
Photovoltaic energy
Copyright © 2017 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science.
All rights reserved.

Corresponding Author:
Mustapha Elyaqouti,
ERTAIER,
ESTA Ibn Zohr University,
BP 33/S, 80000 Agadir, Morocco.
Email: [email protected]

1. INTRODUCTION
The use of renewable energy sources has become increasingly popular around the world, due to their
functioning friendly to the environment [1]. Solar energy is the most promising one. It is a clean and
important source for producing electricity [2],[3]. It has a huge energy potential compared to other
sources [4]. Indeed, with an average irradiation of 5630 Wh/m2/day, Morocco may cover their energy needs
and export a part of it [5].
However, the output characteristics of PV module depend strongly on the solar radiation attaining
the active surface of PV module and cell temperature of PV module. Furthermore, these parameters have a
variable character depending on the latitude, the orientation of the solar field, the season and the hour of day.
In other terms, the characteristics of the PV panels depend on the parameters continually changing during the
day [6].
These characteristics, specifically those of PVG power P(V), admit a point corresponding to the
maximum power, that is the optimum operating point, named MPP (maximum power point). A converter that
ensures the conversion of electricity exploitable by the user must find and track the MPP continuously on the
curve P (V). In this context, a large number of technical research of the maximum power point tracking
(MPPT: Maximum Power Point Tracker) are well established in the literature.
Indeed, several methods exist, such as: "Perturb and Observe" (P&O) [7]-[10], the "Incremental
conductance" (InC) [11]-[13] which are variants of the "Hill Climbing" [14], Fractional open circuit voltage

Journal homepage: http://iaesjournal.com/online/index.php/IJPEDS

IJPEDS ISSN: 2088-8694  435

(FCO) or Fractional short circuit current algorithm (FCC) [15],[16], the techniques of artificial intelligence,
such as the control by fuzzy logic [17]-[19], by genetic algorithm [20] or by neural networks [21]-[23] etc.
Among these techniques, the "P&O" Classic is the most popular and easiest way to implement [24].
In this paper, we focus on the implementation of the command "P&O" classic with fixed
perturbation step as well as variable step. This command is implemented on the Arduino board. Our paper is
organized as follows: After this introduction, we will describe in the second part the test bench and
measurement, then in the third part we will present the modeling of the Boost converter as well as their
MPPT techniques. The last part will be devoted to the exhibition and analysis of experimental results
followed by a conclusion.

2. TEST BENCH AND MEASUREMENT

2.1. Test bench
The present conversion chain constituting our test bench comprises a photovoltaic generator (PVG),
supplying a DC load through a boost converter. This latter is controlled by an MPPT control type "P&O" in
order to have the power supplied by the PVG corresponds to the maximum power generated. The block
diagram of this system is illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Synoptic scheme of the realized PV conversion chain

The principle measuring adopted in this test bench, is to take the current Ipv supplied by the PVG as
well as the voltage Vpv between its terminals. These variables Ipv and Vpv are delivered by the current and
voltage sensors connected to the inputs of the analog digital converter integrated in the Arduino board type
Mega 2560. This latter is programmed to be used as an acquisition card transmitting in real time, the
numerical values acquired (Ipv, Vpv) to a computer through an RS232 / USB serial converter. Figure 2 below
shows the realized prototype to validate the developed MPPT algorithms.

Load
Arduino
Mega 2560

Boost
Converter

Driver

Figure 2. Realized test Bench

Implementation in Arduino of MPPT Using Variable Step Size P&O Algorithm .... (Mustapha Elyaqouti)
436  ISSN: 2088-8694

In terms of treatment unit, we have developed under the Matlab-Simulink environment a program
that ensures the capture of the data (Ipv, Vpv) that will serve as inputs for the MPPT algorithms that we have
developed. These algorithms determine the appropriate duty cycle pv for the Arduino board in order to
produce a PWM signal (Pulse Width Modulation) this latter attack a driver amplifying the current control of
the MOSFET transistor of Boost converter.
Concerning the capture, archiving and treatment of Ipv and Vpv sizes, the Figure 3 shows the block
diagram for the program that we have developed under Matlab-Simulink. This allows us to visualize in real
time the characteristics Ipv = f(t), Vpv = f(t), Ipv = f(Vpv) and the evolution of the power Ppv = f(Vpv) of PV
module.

Figure 3. Acquisition program through the Arduino board and data processing under Matlab-Simulink

2.2. PV Module
The PVG used in our investigations is BP Solar MSX-64. Their electrical specifications provided by
the manufacturer are given in Table 1 [25], under the standard test conditions STC (Standard Test
Conditions: G = 1000 W/m2, AM 1.5, T = 25°C). The results of characterization of this PVG using many
models have been the subject of the publication [26].

Table 1. Electrical characteristics of the PV panel MSX-64 in STC[25]

Parameters Value
Maximum power Pmax 64 W
Voltage at maximum power Vmpp 17.5 V
Current at maximum power Impp 3.66 A
Short-circuit current Isc 4A
Open-circuit voltage Voc 21.3 V

2.3. Bench measurement of meteorological conditions

In order to have the meteorological conditions of solar irradiance G and temperature T, under which
the quantities (Ipv, Vpv) are recorded, the Fig.4 illustrates the test bench installed in our laboratory of EST
Agadir. Indeed, the solar irradiance G and the temperature T are measured by means of various sensors
managed by Cambell acquisition unit of CR10X kind. The data G and T are collected every 10 seconds,
depending on the configuration of the data acquisition unit [27].

IJPEDS Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2017 : 434 – 443

IJPEDS ISSN: 2088-8694  437

Figure 4. Meteorological station with its Cambell central acquisition CR10X

3. MODELING
Before starting our study concerning the modeling of MPPT controls, we will propose to model the
boost converter between the GPV and the DC load.

3.1. Boost converter modeling

The converter used in our work is the Boost type. It allows to increase the output voltage Vs relative
to the input voltage Vpv. The Figure 5 shows the circuit diagram modeling the converter, while Table 2
summarizes the values of the elements used to make this converter.

Figure 5. The Boost converter scheme

Table 2. Values of Boost converter elements

Element Symbol Value
Coupling Capacitor Ce 2200 µF
Bobbin Lpv 1 mH
Condensateur de sortie Cs 220 µF
Load R 28
switching frequency of the MosFET f 1 KHz

From the scheme of Figure 5 and the analysis of the various sequences of the boost converter
functioning, our converter is represented by the following equations:

 
di Lpv
V pv  L pv  1   pv V s (1)
dt

Cs
dV s V s
dt

R

 1  pv i Lpv  (2)

With pv is the duty ratio of the PWM signal generated by the Arduino. Its value is between 0 and 1.

Implementation in Arduino of MPPT Using Variable Step Size P&O Algorithm .... (Mustapha Elyaqouti)
438  ISSN: 2088-8694

3.2. MPPT modeling

MPPT is one of the most used solutions to optimize the energy efficiency of PVG. In our case, we
describe below the principles and the algorithms of two commands "P&O" with fixed perturbation (POF) and
with variable step (POV). Then we test their validity experimentally.

3.2.1. The principle of the technique POF

Generally, POF method consists in perturbing the voltage Vpv with fixed low amplitude, or with a
fixed increment C of duty cycle αpv, around its initial value and analyze the behavior of the variation of
resulting power Ppv.
As illustrated in Figure 6, if the fixed perturbation of voltage Vpv leads in one direction to the
increased power Ppv, then the perturbation allows to move the operating point to the MPP, therefore the POF
algorithm will continue to trouble the voltage with the same increment and in the same direction. On the
other hand, if the voltage perturbation causes the decrease of the power, then the direction of the perturbation
must be reversed to achieve the convergence to the MPP. The corresponding flowchart of this algorithm is
shown in Figure 7.

Figure 6. Principle research of MPPT by "P&O"

3.2.2. The principle of the technical POV

The POF algorithm with fixed perturbation has two major disadvantages related to the time
convergence and oscillations around the MPP generated in permanent regime. These two problems are
related to the increment step of the perturbation. However, a high value of the increment step minimizes the
convergence time, but increases the oscillations around the MPP, while a low value of this step increment
causes the minimizing of the oscillations but slows the research of MPP. We must find a compromise
between precision and speed. To overcome to this problem, we proposed to use two steps C1 and C2
perturbation. If the variation of the power Ppv is less than a certain threshold Val, then we use the C1 step
perturbation. In our case C1 = 0.01 and Val = ±5 W. On the other hand, C2 will be used with C2 = 0.001.
These two values were selected to have a rapidity initially and low oscillations around the PPM in permanent
regime. The partial flowchart associated to this POV method is illustrated in Figure 8. This latter is
complementary to the flowchart of the Figure 7.

IJPEDS Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2017 : 434 – 443

IJPEDS ISSN: 2088-8694  439

Start

k=0

Measure: Vpv(k), Ipv(k)

Ppv(k) = Vpv(k) . Ipv(k-1)

ΔPpv(k) = Ppv(k) - Ppv(k-

1)

ΔV(k) = Vpv(k) - Vpv(k-

1)

Yes
ΔP(k) =
0
No
No Yes
ΔP(k) >
0
No Yes No Yes
ΔV(k) > ΔV(k) >
0 0

αpv = αpv - αpv = αpv + αpv = αpv + αpv = αpv -

C C C C

k=k+1

Figure 7. Algorithm of POF method

ΔVpv(k) = Vpv(k) - Vpv(k-1)

No |ΔP| > V Yes

al

C = C1 C = C2

ΔP(k) = Yes
0
No

Figure 8. Partial algorithm of the method POV

Implementation in Arduino of MPPT Using Variable Step Size P&O Algorithm .... (Mustapha Elyaqouti)
440  ISSN: 2088-8694

4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
In order to test the performance of the MPPT algorithms cited in Part 3.2, we are going to plot the
output Ipv = f(Vpv) and Ppv = f(Vpv) of our PVG for different values of solar irradiance G and temperature T.
For this, we vary the duty cycle pv of 5% to 95% with a fixed increment. The obtained measurements allow
us to determine the maximum power Pmax generated by our PVG. And then Pmax will be compared to the
maximum power Pmpp extracted by either algorithms POF and POV. We note that G and T values measured by
the weather station in Figure 4, are considered constant throughout the characterization duration.
The obtained measurements allow us to represent in Figure 9 the characteristics Ipv = f(Vpv) and
Ppv = f(Vpv) for G = 982 W/m2 corresponding to an irradiance received on the active surface of the PV
module.

5 50

4 40

Ppv [ W ]
Ipv [ A ]

3 30

2 20

1 10

0 0
0 5 10 15 20
Vpv [ V ]

Figure 9. Experimental characteristicsIpv = f(Vpv) et Ppv = f(Vpv) of PVGMSX64type forG = 982 W/m2 et
T = 25.1°C

Figure 10 to 12 summarizes the experimental responses of power Ppv, of voltage Vpv and of current
Ipv under POF and POV methods. For the first method POF, we have presented two responses, one with a
fixed perturbation step C = 0.01 during the measurement, and another with C = 0.001 which does not vary
during the test. While for the second method POV, we have presented in the same figures the experimental
responses Ppv, Vpv and Ipv with a step depending on the proposed algorithm and can be C1 = 0.01 or
C2 = 0.001, during the time of characterization.

50
40
Ppv [ W ]

30
20
POF with C=0.01
10 POF with C=0.001
10
POV
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Time [ S ]

Figure 10. Experimental response of the power Ppv

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IJPEDS ISSN: 2088-8694  441

15

Vpv [ V ]
16
10

Vpv [ V ]
14
12
5 POF 8
with C=0.01
Time [ S C=0.001
POF with ]

POV
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Time [ S ]
Figure 11. Experimental response of voltage Vpv

3
3.8
Ipv [ A ]
Ipv [ A ]

3.6
2 3.4
3.2
1 8
POF with C=0.01
Time [ S ]C=0.001
POF with
POV
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Time [ S ]
Figure 12. Experimental response of current Ipv

After analyzing these figures, we notice that for the algorithm POF with a fixed step C = 0.01 along
the measurement, the operating point reaches the MPP in 1.65 s against 3.72 s for a perturbation step
C = 0.001 also invariable during the test. As a result, the response is logically faster for the big step C = 0.01.
However, the oscillations around the MPP are less important for the small step C = 0.001. This allows us to
confirm that with a big step, the algorithm is faster but less accurate. Whereas, with a small step, the
algorithm is slower but fairly accurate. Regarding the algorithm of the POV technique with C1 = 0.01 and
C2 = 0.001, the operating point reached the MPP in 2.47 s with small oscillations around the MPP which is
identical to the method POF with low step. Therefore, this algorithm shows a good compromise between
speed and accuracy.

5. CONCLUSION
In this paper, we have presented the implementation of the command "P&O" with a fixed
perturbation step (POF) and the command "P&O" with a double perturbation step (POV) using the arduino
Mega board. The experimental result shows that the command POV gives good results compared to the
control POF in terms of time response and oscillations around the MPP.

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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS

Mustapha Elyaqouti was born in Agadir, Morocco, in 1984. He received the technical
University degree (DUT) in Electrical Engineering from the High School of Technologies of
Agadir (EST Agadir), in 2006. He received his BSc degree in physics and a post graduate degree
in Materials Engineering and energetic environment from Ibn Zohr University, in 2010 and
2012. His research, in the context of national doctoral thesis, focuses on the thematic of
Renewable Energies. The doctoral investigation took place in the Research Team in advanced
Technologies and Engineering of Renewable Energies (ERTAIER) Agadir Morocco

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IJPEDS ISSN: 2088-8694  443

Safa HAKIM Born in Ouarzazate-Morocco in 1988. She received the BSM (2006), Engineer
state degree (2012) from the national school of Arts and Trades (ENSAM Meknes Morocco), she
is currently a student of Ph.D in Faculty of Science, University IbnZohr Agadir-Morocco. His
research, in the context of national doctoral thesis, focuses on the thematic of renewable
Energies. The doctoral investigations took place in the Research Team in Advanced
Technologies and Engineering of Renewable Energies (ERTAIER) Agadir, Morocco

Sadik Farhat Associate Professor (2001) in Electrical Engineering with a Bachelor (1996) in
Electronics in Higher Normal School of Technology (ENSET), Rabat, Morocco and a post
graduate degree in (2007), of Energy and Environment in the National School of Applied
Sciences (ENSA) of Agadir, Morocco. His research, in the context of national doctoral thesis,
focuses on the thematic of renewable Energies. The doctoral investigations took place in the
Research Team in Advanced Technologies and Engineering of Renewable Energies (ERTAIER)

LahoussineBouhouchProfessor of higher education at the ESTA (High School of Technologies

of Agadir), IbnZohr University, Agadir, Morocco. PhD Electrical Engineering at the Nancy I
University, France in 1988 and state doctorate in Electrical in 2007. Responsible of the research
team ERTAIR (Research Team in Advanced Technologies and Engineering of Renewable
Energies). His research focuses on topics related to renewable energy, instrumentation and
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Ahmed Ihlal, was born and brought up in Morocco. He studied Physics and Chemistry and
holds, in 1984, his BSc degree (LicenceEs-Sciences Physique) in Solid State Physics from the
University Mohamed V, Rabat - Morocco. He then joined Paris VII University – France, where
he got, in 1985, a MSc. degree (DEA: Diplome des Etudes Approfondies) in Solar Energy. He
pursued his research on the studies and got, in 1988, a PhD degree from the University of Caen
BasseNormandie - France. Dr. A. Ihlal started his teaching career on I988 as Assistant Professor
in the faculty of Science at University Ibn Zohr. Then he holds a "Doctorat d'Etat" thesis in
1995. He is currently Full Professor in Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir -
Morocco. He is head of the group working on developing cost effective processes for the
fabrication of CIGS and CZTS absorber layers, buffer layers and TCOs. He is working on PV
and CSP systems as well. He has published 60 scientific papers, and acted as a referee for
numerous international journals. He has contributed to the organization of numerous national
and international conferences and was a member of scientific committees for several
international conferences. He is supervising PhD, MSc as well as BSc students in the field of PV
and CSP. He is an expert of the CNRST in the field of renewable energies.

Implementation in Arduino of MPPT Using Variable Step Size P&O Algorithm .... (Mustapha Elyaqouti)