Received 25 July 2023, accepted 10 September 2023, date of publication 13 September 2023,

date of current version 20 September 2023.

Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3315150

Enhancing Photovoltaic Conversion Efficiency

With Model Predictive Control-Based
Sensor-Reduced Maximum Power Point Tracking
in Modified SEPIC Converters
OMAR ABDEL-RAHIM 1,2 , (Senior Member, IEEE),
MAMDOUH L. ALGHAYTHI 3 , (Member, IEEE),
MESHARI S. ALSHAMMARI3 , (Member, IEEE), AND DINA S. M. OSHEBA 4
1 Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Aswan University, Aswan 81542, Egypt
2 Electrical Power Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
3 Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf 72388, Saudi Arabia
4 Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Menoufia University, Shebeen El-Kom 32511, Egypt

Corresponding authors: Omar Abdel-Rahim (o.abdelrahim|@aswu.edu.eg) and Mamdouh L. Alghaythi ([email protected])

This work was supported in part by the Deputyship for Research and Innovation, Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia, under Project
223202.

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper is to propose a new technique for maximum power point tracking
(MPPT) in photovoltaic (PV) systems that utilizes fewer sensors, thereby reducing the hardware cost. The
technique aims to achieve efficient MPPT under various environmental conditions by employing a modified
SEPIC converter and a model predictive control (MPC)-based MPPT algorithm. To achieve the objective,
the proposed technique utilizes only one voltage sensor and one current sensor, significantly reducing
the hardware requirements compared to traditional MPPT techniques. The modified SEPIC converter is
employed to regulate the voltage and current levels in the PV system. The MPC-based MPPT algorithm
is implemented to dynamically adjust the operation of the converter and track the maximum power point.
The algorithm incorporates a model predictive control approach, which utilizes a predictive model of the
PV system to anticipate and optimize the power output. The algorithm predicts the behavior of the PV
system based on the available sensor measurements, allowing for accurate MPPT. The algorithm operates
in real-time, providing instantaneous adjustments to maximize power extraction. The study demonstrates
that the proposed technique effectively tracks the maximum power point of the PV system using only one
voltage sensor and one current sensor, thus reducing the overall hardware cost. The MPC-based MPPT
algorithm, in combination with the modified SEPIC converter, achieves efficient power extraction under
various operating conditions. The simulation and experimental results indicate that the proposed technique
outperforms traditional MPPT techniques in terms of cost-effectiveness and power extraction efficiency.

INDEX TERMS Model predictive control (MPC)-based MPPT algorithm, modified SEPIC converter,
MATLAB simulation and hardware, voltage sensor and current sensor.

I. INTRODUCTION friendly energy source. By harnessing solar energy and

Photovoltaic (PV) generation has become increasingly pop- transforming it into electrical power, PV generation has the
ular in recent years as a sustainable and environmentally potential to revolutionize the way we consume energy. One
of the key benefits of PV generation is that it is an inex-
The associate editor coordinating the review of this manuscript and haustible source of energy. The sun is an abundant source of
approving it for publication was Giambattista Gruosso . energy that can meet our electricity needs for an indefinite

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

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 O. Abdel-Rahim et al.: Enhancing PV Conversion Efficiency With MPC-Based Sensor-Reduced MPPT

amount of time. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and will ductance (InCond), ripple current control (RCC), and model
eventually run out, solar energy is a renewable resource that predictive control (MPC) are the most prevalent ones. Perturb
will be available for billions of years. As a result, generat- and observe (P&O) is a widely used and straightforward
ing electricity through photovoltaic systems can provide a MPPT technique that involves perturbing the operating point
sustainable and long-lasting solution to our energy require- of the photovoltaic (PV) system and observing the resultant
ments [1], [2], [3], [4]. This makes it an ideal choice for change in power output. This technique adjusts the operating
those who are concerned about the impact of their energy voltage of the PV system until the maximum power point
consumption on the planet. In addition to its environmental (MPP) is reached. Nevertheless, P&O technique has some
benefits, PV generation also has economic benefits. As the drawbacks, including oscillations around the MPP and slow
cost of solar panels continues to decrease, PV generation is tracking speed.
becoming increasingly affordable. This means that more and Incremental conductance (InCond) is another widely used
more people are able to take advantage of this technology and MPPT technique that is based on the observation that the
reduce their energy bills. In addition, PV generation can also slope of the PV system’s power versus voltage curve is zero
provide a source of income for those who generate excess at the MPP. InCond continuously compares the instantaneous
energy and sell it back to the grid. Despite its many benefits, conductance of the PV system with its incremental conduc-
there are still some challenges associated with PV generation. tance to determine the direction of the MPP. This technique
One of the main challenges is that it is dependent on sunlight, has a faster tracking speed than P&O and can handle rapidly
which means that it may not be a reliable source of energy in changing irradiance conditions.
areas with limited sunlight [5], [6], [7]. Ripple current control (RCC) is a relatively new MPPT
To optimize the output of a PV panel, it’s necessary to technique that uses a high-frequency ripple current to perturb
utilize a dc/dc converter equipped with maximum-power- the operating point of the PV system. The technique uses a
point-tracking (MPPT) control. Essentially, the role of the feedback loop to adjust the ripple current until the MPP is
dc/dc converter is to convert the DC power supplied by reached. RCC has a fast tracking speed and can handle partial
the PV panel into a higher voltage level that’s compatible shading conditions.
with the electrical grid [8]. This is achieved by using power In [13], a RBFC-based fuzzy logic controller was proposed
electronics to increase the voltage and decrease the current. as a new MPPT controller to extract maximum power from
In addition to voltage conversion, a dc/dc converter also solar PV systems under PSCs. The controller outperformed
provides isolation between the PV panel and the electrical other conventional and AI-based MPPT controllers in various
grid, which is important for safety reasons. It also helps to categories, making it a promising choice for solar PV systems
optimize the energy output of the PV panel by ensuring that under PSCs.
it operates at its maximum power point [9]. The use of a In [14], a two-step system for PV modules was suggested
dc/dc converter with MPPT control offers several benefits for that uses an enhanced iRCS-MPC method to track the max-
PV generation systems. These include: 1. Increased Energy imum power point (MPP) efficiently. The suggested system
Output: By ensuring that the PV panel operates at its MPP, improves on the traditional P&O and MPC methods and per-
more energy can be generated than would be possible without forms better than the traditional method in terms of overshoot,
MPPT control; 2. Improved Efficiency: The use of a dc/dc undershoot, and time required to reach a steady state.
converter helps to optimize the energy output of the PV panel In [15], researchers proposed a metaheuristic algorithm for
by increasing the voltage and decreasing the current. This maximum power point tracking (MPPT) under partial shad-
results in less energy being lost as heat, improving overall ing conditions. This algorithm effectively reduces the search
system efficiency; 3. Greater Flexibility: The use of a dc/dc space exploration and computational complexity of meta-
converter with MPPT control allows for greater flexibility in heuristic optimization algorithms. Compared to two other
system design, as it enables PV panels to be connected in recent MPPT algorithms, the proposed algorithm demon-
series or parallel to achieve the desired voltage and current strates superior performance by achieving maximum power
levels [10]. point more quickly and with lower power losses during track-
The maximum power point (MPP) of a PV panel is the ing.
point at which it generates the most power for a given set of Reference [16] describes an adaptive block that estimates
conditions, such as temperature and irradiance. However, the solar irradiance and PV I-V curve circuit parameters based on
MPP changes constantly as these conditions change. MPPT output current and voltage measurements from the PV panel.
control is used to track the MPP of the PV panel and adjust the This algorithm eliminates the need for costly solar irradiance
operating point of the dc/dc converter accordingly. By doing sensors, which are typically required by trackers that rely on
so, it ensures that the PV panel operates at its maximum measured solar irradiance.
efficiency, maximizing the amount of energy that can be In [17], researchers developed and comparatively analyzed
generated [11], [12]. five MPPT controllers for PV systems that utilize artifi-
In the literature, various MPPT techniques are available, cial intelligence techniques. Among these, the PID-based
among which perturb and observe (P&O), incremental con- MPPT controller is notable for its relatively low cost, ease of

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implementation, good balance between transient state speed

and steady state accuracy, and robustness against parameter
changes.
In [18], a new ABC based MPPT algorithm for PV systems
under partially shaded and dynamic weather conditions was
suggested. It has been compared with PSO based MPPT
algorithm and simulation results have shown that the sug-
gested ABC-based MPPT algorithm provides better tracking
performance to find the global MPP under partially shaded
and dynamic weather conditions than PSO-based MPPT
algorithm.
Reference [19] proposes a MPPT algorithm for PV systems FIGURE 1. The structure of an innovative photovoltaic (PV) generation
with DC regulation that is based on the Monod equation. This system incorporates a modified SEPIC converter and utilizes a model
predictive control (MPC)-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
new algorithm has lower implementation complexity and control algorithm.
computational requirements, making it easier and cheaper to
implement using low-cost controllers and processors.
Reference [20] introduces a new MPPT technique for PV
systems that experience rapidly changing partial shading con- Once the future behavior of the panel is predicted, the
ditions. This method utilizes a skipping mechanism to avoid MPC-MPPT controller adjusts the operating point of the
certain areas of the search space and a scheduling process to panel to track the predicted MPP. This is achieved by con-
reduce voltage tracking. tinuously adjusting the voltage and current of the panel to
In [21], a framework was developed to estimate the remain- maintain the output power at its maximum level. The con-
ing useful life of a wind turbine and determine the root troller does this by solving an optimization problem that
cause of any faults using machine learning techniques. The takes into account the predicted behavior of the panel and the
suggested framework was validated through experiments on desired output power.
real-world wind turbine data and showed superiority in terms One of the advantages of MPC-MPPT over other MPPT
of accuracy and efficiency. techniques is its ability to handle dynamic changes in the
In [22], a method for detecting and diagnosing faults in environment. For example, if there is a sudden change in irra-
wind turbines using machine learning techniques was sug- diance or temperature, the MPC-MPPT controller can quickly
gested. The method involves gathering data from various adjust the operating point of the panel to track the new MPP.
sensors installed on the wind turbine and using it to train a This is because MPC takes into account the future behavior of
machine learning model. The results of the study show that the panel and can anticipate changes in the environment [26].
the suggested method is effective in detecting faults in wind This paper contributes a novel model predictive con-
turbines and can help improve their reliability and reduce trol (MPC)-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
maintenance costs. technique for photovoltaic (PV) systems that utilizes fewer
Model predictive control (MPC) is a more advanced MPPT sensors. Figure 1 shows the system structure that is under
technique that uses a mathematical model of the PV system investigation in this paper. The proposed technique neces-
to predict its behavior under different operating conditions. sitates only one voltage sensor and one current sensor,
The technique uses an optimization algorithm to determine in contrast to traditional MPC-based MPPT techniques for
the optimal operating point of the PV system that maximizes PV dc/dc converters, which require two voltage sensors and
its power output. MPC has a high tracking accuracy and can one current sensor. This reduces the overall system’s hard-
handle complex environmental conditions [23]. ware cost. The proposed technique can operate with both
Model Predictive Control based maximum power point fixed and adaptive step sizes and can effectively track the
tracking(MPC-MPPT) is a sophisticated MPPT technique maximum power point under a variety of environmental con-
that has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to ditions. A modified SEPIC converter is used in the power
achieve high tracking accuracy. This technique is particularly stage due to its advantages such as high step-up ratio, high
effective in controlling the operating point of photovoltaic efficiency, and low voltage stresses. The operation principles
(PV) panels to track the Maximum Power Point (MPP) [24]. of the modified SEPIC converter and the MPC-based MPPT
The basic principle behind MPC-MPPT is to predict the technique are explained in detail.
future behavior of the PV panel and then use this information
to control the operating point of the panel. The prediction is II. MODIFIED SEPIC DC–DC CONVERTER ANALYSIS
based on a mathematical model of the PV panel that takes into Figure 2 shows the structure of a transformerless modified
account various parameters such as temperature, irradiance, SEPIC converter with high gain, which was proposed in [27].
and panel characteristics. The model is then used to predict The converter has two inductors, two diodes, three capacitors,
the voltage and current that will result in maximum power and a single power switch. This paper designs the converter
output from the panel [25]. to work in continuous conduction mode. The switch status,

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FIGURE 2. Layout of the updated SEPIC Converter [27]. FIGURE 5. Performance assessment of the revised SEPIC converter,
Mode II.

A. MODE I
When the switch is triggered by a high pulse signal, it comes
on. This is demonstrated in Figure 4, where diodes D1 and D2
are off when the switch is on. In this mode, inductor L1 draws
energy from the dc source and inductor L2 draws energy from
capacitor C2 . The equations that represent this mode are:



 vL1 (t) = VPV
 dV
 iPV (t) = CPV PV + iL1


FIGURE 3. Behavior graphs for updated SEPIC converter.
dt (1)

 v L2 (t) = V C2 − VC1
 C dVo = i = −V R



o Co o
dt

B. MODE II
When the switch is switched off by a low pulse signal, it shuts
off. This is Mode II. Fig.5 displays that diodes D1 and D2 are
on when the switch is off. They allow the inductors to empty
FIGURE 4. Performance assessment of the revised SEPIC converter, their energy. During operation, the energy stored in inductor
Mode I.
L1 is transferred to capacitor C2 , while inductor L2 delivers
its stored energy to the output capacitor. The mathematical
S={0 or 1}, determines the two modes of operation of the equations that define the characteristics of this mode are:
converter. The following paragraphs explain the operation
modes with ideal characteristics of the circuit components. 
vL1 (t) = VPV − VC2
Figure 3 displays the operating waveforms of the converter. 

 dV
 iPV (t) = CPV PV + iL1

The converter has two modes of operation: 
Mode 1: When S = 0, the switch is off and the circuit dt (2)
 vL2 (t) = −V C1
is reconfigured as a boost converter. The input voltage is 
 C dVo = i = i − V R



transferred to the output voltage through the inductors and o Co L2 o
dt
capacitors.
Mode 2: When S = 1, the switch is on and the circuit
C. STEADY STATE ANALYSIS
is reconfigured as a buck converter. The output voltage is
By utilizing the principles of inductor volt-second balance
transferred to the input voltage through the inductors and
and capacitor charge-balance, the following results can be
capacitors.
obtained:
The converter can be operated in either mode to achieve the
desired output voltage. The choice of mode depends on the

specific application. Figure 3 shows the operating waveforms
 ⟨vL1 (t)⟩ = 0

of the converter in Mode 1 and Mode 2. The waveforms show (3)
⟨vL2 (t)⟩ = 0
that the converter can achieve a high gain, which is the ratio 
⟨iCo (t)⟩ = 0

of the output voltage to the input voltage.

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TABLE 1. Voltage stress on components of the modified SEPIC converter.

FIGURE 6. Model predictive control block diagram.

TABLE 2. Components main specifications.

Equations (1)-(3), can be used to derive the relationships

among the output voltage, input voltage, and capacitors,
 
D
VC1 = VPV (4)
1−D
 
1
VC2 = VPV (5)
1−D
  is the number of steps into the future that the controller
1+D will look.
Vo = VPV (6)
1−D • Optimization: an optimization problem needs to be

The converter’s voltage gain is indicated by equation (6), solved to obtain the control input that would minimize
where D signifies the converter’s duty cycle. Table 1 illus- the cost function. The optimization problem is typically
trates the voltage stress across each switching component. solved using a numerical method, such as the simplex
This converter has low voltage stress levels, which permits algorithm or the interior point method.
choosing switching devices with low ratings. Choosing low • Control input: The control input that is found in the

rating devices is a vital factor in diminishing switching and optimization problem is then applied to the system.
conduction losses, and thus increasing the system’s overall • Repeat: The process then repeats, with the controller

efficiency. using the updated model to predict the system’s future

behavior, solving the optimization problem to find the
III. AN INNOVATIVE MPC BASED PV MPPT METHOD FOR control input, and applying the control input to the sys-
OPTIMAL POWER TRACKING tem.
Model predictive control (MPC) is an advanced control tech- The modified SEPIC converter’s discrete time model is
nique that can be used to control a wide variety of systems. obtained by utilizing the forward Euler method on equation
MPC works by using a model of the system to predict its (1) during switch on mode and equation (2) during switch off
future behavior. The model is used to calculate a control mode
input that will minimize a cost function, which is typically  
TS
1
a measure of the error between the system’s output and a IPV (k + 1) = VPV − IPV (k) (7)
L1
desired reference. The control input is then applied to the  
TS
system, and the process repeats. 0
IPV (k + 1) = (VPV − VC2 ) − IPV (k) (8)
MPC has several advantages over other control techniques, L1
including: 0
Here Ts , L, VPV , IPV (K ), VC2 , VPV , IPV (k + 1), IPV
1 (k + 1)
• MPC can handle systems with multiple state variables.
stand for sampling time, inductance, PV current and voltage,
• MPC can take into account constraints on the system.
capacitor C2 voltage, and predicted PV current with switch
• MPC can be used to control systems that are difficult to
off and on conditions, respectively. Equations (7) and (8)
control with other control techniques. show that three sensors are needed to estimate the next PV
Here is a more detailed explanation of the steps involved in current value. This adds to the system cost and size. To elim-
MPC, see Figure 6: inate one voltage sensor, equation (5) is used to substitute the
• Modeling: The first step in MPC is to develop a model value of VC2 . This way, one sensor is saved.
of the system to be controlled. The model can be linear The final step in model predictive control (MPC) is to
or nonlinear, and it can be deterministic or stochastic. find the control input that minimizes the error between the
• Prediction: Once the model has been developed, it can actual and desired system states. This is done by solving an
be used to predict the system’s future behavior. The optimization problem, which minimizes a cost function. The
prediction is typically done over a finite horizon, which cost function is typically a quadratic function that penalizes

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FIGURE 7. The diagram depicting the proposed method for tracking the maximum power point (MPP) using model predictive control (MPC) with fewer
sensors.

the error and the rate of change of the error: A scaling factor, denoted as C, is used in conjunction with the
σ ={0,1} σ difference between the current and previous values of both the
g = Iref − IPV (9)
PV current and reference current, 1I and 1D, respectively.
The objective function and the current reference are denoted
by g and Iref, respectively. The current reference Iref is
obtained by using the incremental conductance method. The IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
flowchart of the proposed MPC-MPPT technique is shown in One of the most important factors in the effective use of
Figure 7. The figure shows that the PV current and voltage are photovoltaic generation is to efficiently track the maximum
the only measurements required by the MPC-MPPT method. power point. However, in some countries with sandy weather,
It uses an incremental conductance approach to generate the such as the Middle East, solar panels often face partial shad-
reference current that matches the maximum power opera- ing conditions due to dust and sand. Therefore, it is essential
tion. Then, the converter is controlled by the MPC method to to have an efficient MPPT tracker to improve the economic
track the reference current. The capacitor’s voltage sensor is performance of the photovoltaic system under various oper-
replaced by the voltage observer, as discussed in the previous ating conditions.
section. The perturbation step size, denoted by Z , in the This paper aims to develop an efficient tracker that can
flowchart can be either fixed or adaptive. A fixed step size improve the overall efficiency of PV plants in different
MPC-MPPT can be implemented by assigning a constant situations. The proposed algorithm is simulated using the
value to Z . Alternatively, Z can be designed adaptively by MATLAB platform and then implemented with the DSPACE
using the following equation: DS1202. An 85W PV module that produces current and
voltage at maximum power of 4.9 A and 17.8 V respec-
1I tively (at nominal radiation and temperature of Gn=1000 and
Z = C. (10)
1D Tn=25◦ C) is used for the experiment.

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FIGURE 8. PV Output characteristics with gradual variation in solar radiation(a) Photovoltaic Power Generation, (b) Solar
Irradiance, (c) Photovoltaic Current, and (d) Photovoltaic voltage.

FIGURE 9. PV Output characteristics with abrupt variation in solar radiation(a) Photovoltaic Power Generation, (b) Solar Irradiance,
(c) Photovoltaic Current, and (d) Photovoltaic voltage.

The simulation results from the MATLAB platform are The proposed algorithm is able to track the maximum
shown in Figures 8 and 9, while the implementation results power point efficiently under different operating conditions,
from the DSPACE DS1202 are presented in Figures 10-12. including partial shading. This results in an improvement in
As mentioned earlier in this paper, the output characteristics the overall efficiency of the PV plant. The simulation and
of PV panels depend mainly on solar radiation and ambient implementation results show that the proposed algorithm is a
temperature, with solar radiation being the most influential promising solution for improving the economic performance
factor. of PV plants in sandy weather conditions.

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FIGURE 10. The electrical properties of the photovoltaic (PV) output are
shown as the radiation levels vary from 1000 to 500 and subsequently
back to 1000 [W/m2].

FIGURE 13. The electrical properties of the photovoltaic (PV) output are
demonstrated as the radiation levels vary from 1000 to 900 and then
further to 800 [W/m2].
FIGURE 11. The electrical properties of the photovoltaic (PV) output are
displayed as the radiation levels fluctuate between 1000 and 800 [W/m2].

experiment, which produces current and voltage at maximum

power of 4.9 A and 17.8 V respectively (at standard radiation
and temperature of Gn=1000 and Tn=25◦ C).
Figures 8 and 9 show the results obtained from the
MATLAB platform, while Figures 10-12 present the results
obtained from implementation using the DSPACE DS1202.
As previously noted in this paper, the output characteristics
of PV panels are primarily affected by solar radiation and
ambient temperature, with solar radiation having a greater
impact than temperature.
Figure 8 depicts a sudden change in solar radiation, with
the radiation level varying from 500 to 1000 W/m2. Figures
FIGURE 12. Adaptive perturbation step size. 8(a)-(d) show the corresponding PV output power, output cur-
rent, output voltage, and solar radiation. The proposed MPPT
controller is able to track the maximum power under all con-
One of the most important factors in the effective use ditions with an efficiency of over 99.5%. However, in most
of photovoltaic generation is to have an effective maximum real-world scenarios, solar radiation changes gradually due to
power point tracking (MPPT) system. In some regions with factors such as passing clouds or sand accumulation. Figure 9
sandy weather, such as the Middle East, solar panels often simulates this gradual change in solar radiation.
face partial shading conditions due to dust and sand. This The proposed MPPT system is capable of efficiently track-
can cause the MPP to shift, and if the MPPT system is not ing the MPP under various operating conditions, including
able to track the MPP accurately, then the solar panel will not partial shading. This leads to an overall improvement in the
produce the maximum amount of power. efficiency of the PV plant. Simulation and implementation
This paper aims to develop an MPPT system that can results demonstrate that the proposed MPPT system is a
improve the overall efficiency of PV plants under various promising solution for enhancing the economic performance
operating conditions. The proposed algorithm is simulated of PV plants in sandy weather conditions.
using the MATLAB platform and then implemented with Further validates the performance of the proposed system,
the DSPACE DS1202. An 85W PV module is used for the it was tested and implemented using the DSPACE DS1202

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FIGURE 14. Performance comparison of proposed and other MPPT techniques under abrupt radiation change.

FIGURE 15. Performance comparison of proposed and other MPPT techniques under gradual radiation change.

tested under different weather conditions, including normal

and varying conditions.
Most of the existing MPPT methods in the literature
depend on the step size for the MPPT controller operation.
For example, the P&O, hill climb, and IncCond algorithms
use a small perturbation step to achieve accurate tracking of
the maximum power, but this results in slow tracking speed
and sometimes failure to track the maximum power. A large
perturbation step enhances the tracking speed but lowers the
tracking efficiency.
The proposed algorithm was evaluated with fixed pertur-
FIGURE 16. Partial shading case of study, global I-V and P-V bation step size and with adaptive perturbation step size.
characteristics.
Figure 10 shows the radiation (W/m2) changing from 1000 to
500 and then back to 1000. The PV output voltage, current,
and power are shown. The controller reacts to the radiation
change in an excellent way and efficiency is above 99.5%.
and the hardware data in Table 1. This paper introduces Another case is shown in Figure 11, where radiation (W/m2)
the MPC_MPPT algorithm, which is designed to function changes from 1000 to 800. Adaptive perturbation step is
with both fixed and adaptive step sizes. The algorithm was shown in Figure 13.
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In the case study depicted in Figure 13, the solar radiation

levels exhibited a sudden change, fluctuating from 1000 to
900 and then further to 800 W/m2. Under these conditions,
the PV module employed in the experiment was anticipated
to generate 55W of power. The proposed algorithm, however,
was able to effectively track the maximum power point at all
three levels of radiation. Moreover, the algorithm exhibited a
transient time of approximately 50 microseconds, indicating
its fast response to changes in environmental conditions.
The successful implementation of the algorithm under such
conditions highlights its robustness and reliability, and under-
scores its potential for use in real-world applications.
Partial shading represents a significant challenge for pho-
tovoltaic (PV) systems, as it can lead to control failures due to
the presence of multiple peaks. Various techniques have been
proposed in the literature to address this issue and mitigate
the effects of partial shading.
In the past decade, researchers have compared various
MPPT techniques, including P-V characteristics, models, and
methods to track the maximum power of PV modules/arrays
under partial shading conditions (PSC). Research on PV out-
FIGURE 17. PV module output characteristics, voltage, current and power.
put characteristics analyzes failure, power loss, and voltage
variations in the MPPT method under PSC, while research on
PV models focuses on a unified model of the PV array and an
Figures 15 and 16 present a comparison of the proposed accurate model of the PV unit under complex environments.
MPC_MPPT algorithm with both fixed and adaptive step The results of these studies are significant for updating the
sizes, as well as the widely used IncCond algorithm at various GMPPT algorithm for PV system applications. The three cat-
step sizes. The comparison is conducted for sudden and grad- egories of maximum power tracking algorithms are traversing
ual changes in solar radiation. Specifically, Figure 15 depicts all maximum points, determining the region of maximum
the comparison of MPPT methods under sudden radiation power, and using heuristic and intelligent optimization algo-
changes, while Figure 16 illustrates the comparison among rithms. Each has advantages and disadvantages [28], [29].
different techniques for gradual radiation changes. To accurately simulate the effects of partial shading, the
The IncCond algorithm is a commonly used technique in cells of the PV module are divided into three distinct groups,
PV applications that operates on the principle that the slope each experiencing a specific level of radiation. In order to
of the PV curve is zero at the maximum power point. Two ensure uninterrupted current flow in the event of partial
perturbation step sizes of 0.02 and 0.05 were chosen for the shading, each group is equipped with bypass diodes. The
IncCond algorithm. radiation levels assigned to the three groups are 1000 W/m2,
As shown in Figure 14, when the solar radiation (W/m2) 300 W/m2, and 600 W/m2 respectively. The resulting output
drops suddenly from 1000 to 800, all the MPPT methods can power of the studied system is depicted in Fig. 16.
track the MPPT. The proposed system maintains its perfor- The algorithm we have put forward is designed to track the
mance regardless of the step size being adaptive or fixed. global maximum power point for the system in question. The
It can achieve the maximum power under any condition with operating point for the system, as governed by the proposed
an efficiency above 99.5%. control methodology, is depicted in Fig.17.
However, the IncCond method is highly sensitive to the
step size. IncCond has larger oscillations with a step size of V. CONCLUSION
0.02 than 0.05 and its efficiency decreases. This can affect the This paper presents a reliable technique for finding the maxi-
profitability and viability of large-scale systems. mum power point (MPP) of a photovoltaic (PV) system using
Figure 15 illustrates the gradual change in solar radiation. model predictive control (MPC) and only two sensors. The
The proposed system outperforms the others, with similar voltage sensor is replaced by an observer derived from the
performance for both adaptive and fixed step sizes, while the converter analysis. The algorithm can work with either a fixed
IncCond algorithm relies heavily on the step size. or adaptive step size. The algorithm has been demonstrated to
Using a step size of 0.02 results in more oscillations and achieve the MPP under harsh environmental conditions.
less efficiency than using a step size of 0.05. Some of the The proposed control algorithm is explained in detail in the
main factors that influence the choice of an MPPT technique paper. The algorithm was tested under various conditions to
are its complexity, efficiency, tracking ability, tracking speed, confirm its effectiveness. The algorithm performed equally
and reliability. well with both fixed and adaptive perturbation step sizes.

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O. Abdel-Rahim et al.: Enhancing PV Conversion Efficiency With MPC-Based Sensor-Reduced MPPT

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VOLUME 11, 2023 100779

 O. Abdel-Rahim et al.: Enhancing PV Conversion Efficiency With MPC-Based Sensor-Reduced MPPT

OMAR ABDEL-RAHIM (Senior Member, IEEE) MESHARI S. ALSHAMMARI (Member, IEEE)

received the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in received the B.Sc. degree in electrical engineering
electrical engineering from the Faculty of Engi- from the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia, in 2014,
neering, Aswan University, Egypt, in 2009 and and the M.E. degree in energy systems engineering
2012, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree from and the Ph.D. degree in electrical and electron-
Utsunomiya University, Japan, in 2017. His pro- ics engineering from the University of Galway,
fessional journey began as a Research Assistant in 2017 and 2022, respectively. He is currently
with the Aswan Power Electronic Application an Assistance Professor with the Electrical Engi-
Research Center (APEARC), from 2009 to 2012. neering Department, Jouf University, Sakakah,
In 2010, he commenced his tenure with Aswan Saudi Arabia. His research interests include the
University, where he initially was an Assistant Lecturer with the Department analysis of AC and DC distribution systems, DC/AC power converters
of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. In 2012, he joined Texas for utility grid and renewable energy applications, and renewable energy
A&M University at Qatar, as a Research Associate. His professional jour- integration systems. In addition, he received the Best Poster Award from the
ney includes a Postdoctoral Fellowship with the Power Electronics Group, 7th NUI Galway Research Day, in 2017, and the Best Paper Award from the
Tallinn University of Technology, from March 2021 to December 2022. ICRERA 2021.
From 2018 to 2019, he contributed his expertise with the Power Electron-
ics and Renewable Energy Laboratory (PEARL), ShanghaiTech University,
Shanghai, China. From 2017 to 2022, he was an Assistant Professor with
the Faculty of Engineering, Aswan University, and simultaneously served as
the Vice-President of the Quality Assurance Unit, Faculty of Engineering,
Aswan University. From 2018 to 2019, he took on the role of the Director
of the Aswan Power Electronic Application Research Center (APEARC).
He is currently an Associate Professor with the Egypt-Japan University of
Science and Technology, Egypt. He has made significant contributions to the
field, authoring or coauthoring more than 70 papers published in esteemed
international conferences and journals. He has authored a book chapter
on Electromagnetic Assessment of Wind Turbines. His research primarily
centers around grid-connected inverters and multiphase matrix converters.
His current research interests include multiphase machine drives, predictive
control, renewable energy, smart grids, and DC–AC converters. He is a
Distinguished Member of IEEE, IES, IAS, PES, PELS, and IEEJ. In addition,
he received the Best Paper Award in ENERGYCON Conference 2022.
He actively serves as a reviewer for various IEEE/IET transactions, journals
related to power, electronics, circuits, and control engineering, as well as
numerous conferences.

MAMDOUH L. ALGHAYTHI (Member, IEEE)

received the B.S. degree in electrical engineer-
ing from Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia,
in 2012, the M.S. degree in electrical engineering
from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL,
USA, in 2015, and the Ph.D. degree in electri-
cal engineering from the University of Missouri,
Columbia, MO, USA, in 2020. He is currently an
Assistant Professor with the Department of Elec-
trical Engineering, Jouf University, where he is DINA S. M. OSHEBA received the B.Sc. degree in electrical engineering
also the Chair of the Electrical Engineering Department and the Coordinator and the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in industrial electronics from the Electrical
of the Master Program in Renewable Energy. He has authored and coauthored Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Menoufia University. She
many journal articles and conference papers. His current research interests has been an Associate Professor of industrial electronics with the Electri-
include design and modeling of power electronics converters, renewable cal Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Menoufia University,
energy systems, reliability aspects of DC–DC converters, smart grids, energy since 2020. Her research interests include industrial electronics, power con-
management, and microgrids. He is a member of the IEEE Power Electronics verters, PV systems, and renewable energy systems.
Society.

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