Hardware Platform for Photovoltaic MPPT Algorithms Implementation and Validation

Photovoltaic panels energy generation depends on irradiation and cell temperature; the curve generated by the array presents a Maximum Power Point (MPP) corresponding to the maximum efficiency for these environment conditions. Appropriate Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)algorithms must be utilized to track MPP. In the paper is described the design and realization of an hardware platform to implement and compare different MPPT algorithms. The platform is mainly constituted by a push-pull dc/dc converter with the driving circuit opportunely realized. The PV working point depends on the load, it has been demonstrated that by utilizing dc/dc converters is possible to dynamically vary the impedance seen from the PV panel acting on the converter dutycycle, once fixed the load. The proposed design is based on the above considerations. Different MPPT techniques are implemented by means of the platform and experimental results are reported in the paper.