A Novel Sensorless Hybrid MPPT Method Based on

FOCV Measurement and P&O MPPT Technique for

Solar PV Applications

Mithun Krishnan M Bharath K R

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Amritapuri, India Amritapuri, India
Email id: [email protected] Email id: [email protected]

Abstract—In the era of Renewable Energy, Solar power is the system reliability. Hill Climbing method, Perturb and
considered as one among the prominent and emerging energy Observe method (P&O) [2], Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
source. But the output of a solar PV varies drastically due [3], Fractional Open Circuit Voltage algorithm (FOCV) [4],
to varying atmospheric conditions like temperature and solar Incremental Conductance method (Inc- Cond) [5] [6] and
insolation. The Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) [7] are the widely used
is an inevitable part which must be present for the efficient
utilization of solar energy tapped using solar PV units. The
MPPT methods. Though these controllers serve the same ob-
conventional methods fail to trail the maximum available power jective, these algorithms vary in terms of PV array dependency,
efficiently and economically, and can even fail during partial control strategies, number of control variables, implementation
shading conditions. This paper proposes an advanced hybrid complexity, application, cost, oscillations around the MPP
algorithm that blends the advantages of both Fractional Open- point, speed and types of circuitry. MPPT is considered to be
Circuit Voltage (FOCV) MPPT and Perturb and Observe (P&O) one of the most efficient mechanisms to enhance the perfor-
algorithm, thereby overcoming their inherited flaws. To validate mance of a solar panel. These conventional MPPT algorithms
the proposed algorithm’s potency, the technique is simulated may even fail during Partial Shading Conditions (PSC). This
using Simulink environment on MATLAB and simulation results necessitates the demand for advanced MPPT controllers [8].
show a clear improvement in achieving the MPPT under varying To further improve the effectiveness of these conventional
atmospheric conditions.
methods, [9] proposes an improved adaptive P&O MPPT
Keywords—Solar PV, P&O MPPT, FOCV MPPT, Hybrid MPPT, method, which largely minimizes the steady-state oscillation,
Buck Converter inaccurate tracking direction and instills the ability to detect
the global power point during PSC. FOCV based MPPT is
I. I NTRODUCTION another method that makes use of open circuit voltage of solar
PV. This method needs only a single sensor and requires only
In this fast-growing world, electricity demand is rapidly minor computations when compared with other conventional
thriving day-by-day. The limited availability of conventional MPPT methods, but fails during subtle changes in temperature
resources and their harmful effects made the human kind think and irradiance level. The shading of uneven pattern results
about an unconventional and sustainable source of energy. in numerous spikes in the P-V characteristics. This problem
Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are the future for powering due to shading effects is mitigated and discussed in [10]. [11]
the whole nation. Solar, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal are a few discusses a novel MPPT which combines the relation between
among the list. Among the renewables, energy from the sun the load curve and the IV characteristics of a solar module and
is very promising. The main features of such a promising has a rapid convergence speed.
energy source are easy availability, eco-friendly nature, less This work is coordinated into six sections. Section II discusses
operational and maintenance cost. the one diode model of a solar PV system and its characteristics
The performance of PV panel depends upon the ambient under varying atmospheric conditions. Section III introduces
cell temperature and solar insolation. Any variation in the conventional MPPT methods like P&O and FOCV techniques
above-mentioned parameters disturbs the desired performance are discussed, along with the proposed hybrid MPPT tech-
of the entity. The drawbacks of PV panels are low conversion niques. In section IV implementation of the complete system in
efficiency and non-linearity in I-V characteristics. The Max- MATLAB/Simulink environment is briefed. Section V details
imum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) [1] method is adopted simulation results and analyses the results by comparing and
so as to accurately track the maximum available power from contrasting with the existing conventional methods. The Paper
a solar panel. The primary objective of MPPT controller is is concluded in section VI. The future expansion possibilities
to achieve maximum available power from the photovoltaic of the proposed system are also discussed in the concluding
panels irrespective of the atmospheric parameters like solar segment of this paper.
irradiance and temperature. Such controllers grant the desired
amount of power, thereby curtailing the cost and enhancing
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c 2019 IEEE

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 II. S OLAR P HOTO VOLTAIC S YSTEM A. Perturb & Observe (P&O) MPPT
A. One Diode Model Perturb & Observe [14] MPPT technique is one of the
The photovoltaic effect is the basic principle that makes a extensively adopted iterative MPPT methods to trap maximum
PV cell convert incident solar radiation (sunlight) into electric- power. This method requires two sensors, namely the current,
ity. Solar radiation, which constitutes infrared heat waves and and a voltage sensor, that periodically measures the current and
visible light waves, when getting incident on a photovoltaic voltage of a SPV cell to calculate the system power. It starts
cell get absorbed, reflected, or even go right through [12]. by perturbing along the operating values and observes any
During this phenomenon, the light that is absorbed develops variation in the power difference. If the variation is positive,
useful electricity. Each category of the photovoltaic panel then the step size is moved in the same direction and vice-
has its own distinct attributes correlating to the atmospheric versa.
parameters like temperature and solar irradiance. These cells This method is known for its simplicity and economical.
are either connected in parallel, series or series-parallel array Even, the previous knowledge of the solar PV is not required.
combinations that might depend upon the end-user application. The technique fails during an abrupt change in atmospheric
If they are connected in series, the net voltage gets added up conditions [17] like the sudden variation in irradiance level or
and in a parallel combination, the overall current delivered partial shading.
is summed up based on the number of cells or PV array
connected, and while in series-parallel combination, required B. Fractional Open Circuit Voltage (FOCV) MPPT
voltage and current levels can be achieved.
At a given atmospheric condition, there exists an exclusive
operating point P(Vmp, Imp) called the Maximum Power Point
(MPP) at which the solar PV power is at its peak(Pmp).
If anyone of the point (Vmp or Imp) can be tracked by
some methods, then corresponding Pmp can be found out at
ease. In the FOCV measurement, the nonlinear IV curve of
a solar PV is modeled using mathematical equations or basic
approximations under varying atmospheric conditions. Based
on this understanding, an empirical relationship is calculated
as follows:
Fig. 1. One Diode model of Solar Photo Voltaic system

The solar cell is modeled based on the IV characteristics V mp ≈ K × V oc (2)

of a solar PV panel, given in equation 1 [13].
It is found that the K value lies between 0.71 to 0.78 times
   
q(V + IRs V + Rs I
I = Ipv − Is exp −1 − (1) the Voc value [10] [18]. In this technique, the solar panel is
Ns kT a Rp
open-circuited and Voc is monitored for a fraction of second.
Where:
Ipv : Photo Voltaic Current (A) C. Proposed MPPT Technique
Is : Reverse Saturation Current (A)
q : Charge of Electron (1.602176 × 10−19 C) The proposed MPPT algorithm is designed with more
k : Boltzmann’s constant (1.3806 × 10−23 J/K) emphasis on the conventional P&O MPPT while taking aid
a : Ideality constant for Diode from FOCV method [19] during crucial and chaotic conditions.
Rs : Resistance in Series with the cell (Ω) The solar panel voltage is audited and stored when the solar
Rp : Resistance in Parallel with the cell (Ω) panel is open-circuited. Based on some experimental results,
Ns : Number of Cells in series it was found that the voltage at MPP of a PV falls between
T : Atmospheric Temperature (K) (0.71-0.78) times the open circuit voltage of the solar PV
[10]. An added advantage of the proposed algorithm is that
The equivalent one diode model of the solar PV cell is it combines the benefits of both FOCV and P&O MPPT [20]
given in fig. 1. while overcoming their inherited deficiencies. The proposed
MPPT method works in the following modes:
III. C ONVENTIONAL MPP T RACKING M ETHODS
The highest efficiency ever recorded for a commercially • Mode 1: Estimating the MPP using Voc;
available solar PV on the current market is around 22.5%, • Mode 2: Variable Step P&O loop mode for MPPT.
while most of the panels possess an efficiency range from
15% to 17%. The highest efficiency of 44.4% was claimed Mode1: Estimating the MPP using Voc
by researchers [14], by using a concentrator triple-junction The advanced hybrid MPPT algorithm launches by the
compound solar cell. To trap the maximum power from a calculation of MPP using Voc. As the loop progress, energy
non-linear power source, MPPT methods are widely accepted. abstracted from the solar PV is interrupted for a short
To extract the maximum available power from a solar panel, duration by yielding sufficient switching sequences to the
MPPT makes use of different schemes in switching the power power-electronic converter. Once the PV module becomes
electronic converter. The following techniques are some of the open-circuited, the panel voltage is measured and saved. The
extensively accepted and commonly used MPPT methods [15] value of Vmp is calculated from equation no. 2 and the error
implemented for various solar PV applications [16]. difference between Voc and Vmp are calculated. The outcome

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 TABLE I. S PECIFICATION OF THE PV ARRAY CONSIDERED FOR
RESEARCH

Description Rating
Maximum Power (Pmp) 100 W
Maximum Current (Imp) 5A
Maximum Voltage (Vmp) 23 V
Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc) 28.5 V
Short-Circuit Current (Isc) 5.49 A
Number of parallely connected modules 1
Number of series strings 1

easily reaches the MPP and continues to float between the

loop. To mitigate this issue, the step size is adjusted once the
panel reaches MPP. After a particular time, the timer value
resets and operation is transferred to FOCV to accumulate the
change in atmospheric conditions.

IV. S IMULATION A RRANGEMENTS

For the analysis, the overall system is modeled and simu-
lated in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Fig. 3 shows the
proposed PV system [6] employed of PV array, Buck converter
with the proposed MPPT algorithm and a constant DC Load.
A Solar photovoltaic system with the specifications mentioned
as in Table I is considered for the simulation purpose in
MATLAB/Simulink.

Fig. 2. Flowchart of proposed hybrid MPPT algorithm

is then fed to the compensator to determine the duty cycle.

This entire process completes with minimal or no effect on
the load which is fed from the solar PV system.
There can be subtle changes in temperature and solar
irradiation level as the time passes. For a solar panel, Vmp
is dependent on Voc, irradiance level, and atmospheric
temperature. To compensate with this rapidly varying
parameters and to improve the effectiveness of FOCV
method, a timer overflow concept in the microcontroller is
implemented. During the course of an interrupt which is a
regular timely event, Voc of the PV system is found out
and stored. Depending upon the updated Voc value which
gets periodically updated, Vmp value is estimated from the
information fetched from the infinite loop. This helps in
proper compensation accompany the change in Voc due to
the subtle changes in atmospheric conditions. Whenever the
error value is greater than or equal to zero, the duty pulses
and power values are saved and the system reaches the P&O
loop. Fig. 3. MATLAB/Simulink model of (a) Complete System, (b) Buck
converter
Mode 2: Variable Step P&O loop mode for MPPT
At this stage, the net power of the solar PV is computed The solar panel characteristics are depicted in fig. 4. The
based on the current and voltage levels measured by the output of the SPV module is fed as an input to the step-
current and voltage sensors respectively. Then, the computed down converter, which reduces the output voltage by altering
power is compared with the previous power. The panel the duty cycle provided by the proposed hybrid controller. To
operates in the same direction (decreasing or increasing PV validate the performance of the hybrid algorithm, the same
current/voltage by varying duty cycle) if the calculated power system was simulated for conventional MPPTs like P&O and
is higher. The operation shifts to the next loop and direction FOCV and the results are compared. The specifications of the
of operation are reversed once a flip occurs. The system buck converter used for the analysis is shown in Table II.

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 TABLE III. C OMPARISON OF P&O, FOCV AND P ROPOSED H YBRID
MPPT
P&O MPPT FOCV MPPT
Tracking Time (ms) 0.32 0.21
Ripple Content (%) 14 4
85.4 (1000 W/m2 ) 87.8 (1000 W/m2 )
Efficiency (%)
72.78 (800 W/m2 ) 73.82 (800 W/m2 )
Hybrid MPPT
0.16
2
98.17 (1000 W/m2 )
81.67 (800 W/m2 )

rithm, the same model was simulated using P&O and FOCV
based MPPT. Fig. 6 shows the comparison between the three
Fig. 4. Characteristics of PV module considered for research (a) I-V Curve MPPT algorithms. The solar irradiance level was shifted from
and (b) P-V curve 1000 to 800 W/m2 at 0.01s. The simulation results show that
the hybrid MPPT method exceeds the conventional algorithms
TABLE II. B UCK C ONVERTER S PECIFICATIONS
in terms of ripple content, tracking time and efficiency of the
Description Rating system. A detailed analysis results are given in Table III.
PV panel rating 23 V, 5 A, 100 W
Inductor L1= 17.66 uH
DC link Capacitor C1= 100 uF
Load Capacitor C2= 500 uF
Load Resistance 1 ohm
Switching frequency 20 kHz

V. S IMULATION R ESULTS
To validate the potentiality of the proposed algorithm,
the solar irradiance was varied between 1000 to 800 W/m2
with a constant temperature of 25o C. The buck converter
steps down the input voltage from 23V to 12V under normal
irradiance. The output voltage drastically reduced when the
irradiance value was reduced to 800 W/m2 . The proposed
hybrid MPPT method could track the MPP successfully even
during varying irradiance. The output load characteristics of
the buck converter is provided in fig. 5.

Fig. 6. Plot for power vs time for various MPPT techniques (a) P&O MPPT
(b) FOCV Method (c) Hybrid MPPT

VI. C ONCLUSION
The RES is advantageous than any other energy resources,
as it is suited for any individual application or for the grid. The
effective utilization of solar energy and the MPPT controller
is proposed in this paper. For the analysis, a Buck converter
with hybrid MPPT has been successfully simulated. The open-
circuit voltage of a solar PV is measured by the intelligent
decision making capability of the advanced hybrid MPPT
method.
The Hybrid MPPT method dominates over the traditional
MPPT algorithms by the following factors:
• Implementation is more effortless.
Fig. 5. Plot for Load Characteristics of DC Load, (a) Current vs time (b) • It has a fair convergence speed under rapidly varying
Voltage vs time and (c) Power vs time
atmospheric conditions.
To compare the performance of the hybrid MPPT algo- • It reaches the MPP region rapidly.

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