Implementation of a Novel MPPT Strategy Using Current Predictive Control of a DC-DC Switched-Capacitor Boost Converter

In this study, a new Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) strategy with a simple and straightforward algorithm has been analyzed. The proposed method is based on the conventional constant current strategy. In the traditional constant current method, in order to generate the reference current signal corresponding to the maximum power point, the photovoltaic (PV) cell terminals should be short circuit at specific instances and thus the short circuit current can be measured. In this paper, a new method based on an approximation of the PV cell model with a small error value is proposed. This method eliminates the need of current sensors for implementing the MPPT controller. Moreover, the PV cell terminals shouldn’t be short circuit anymore. Also, the current Model Predictive Control (MPC) method is used in order to control the DC-DC converter connected to the PV cell. This control strategy uses the system model for controlling the desired quantity. The MPC method provides various advantages such as elimination of the modulation stage and also improving the reference tracking dynamic. Finally, the performance of the proposed system is evaluated using simulations conducted in the MATLAB / Simulink environment

Keywords:

PV cell , MPPT , DC-DC switched-capacitor boost converter , current predictive control