AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY–BANGLADESH (AIUB)
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
FALL 24-25
Section: B
Lab Report On-
Simulation of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for Photovoltaic
System
Supervised By-
PROF. DR. NOWSHAD AMIN
Group 4
Name ID
SUKANTO BAUL 22-46193-1
KAUSHIK RAY 22-46616-1
ZABIN TASMIN 22-46218-1
FAHIJUR RAHAMAN 21-45329-2
BM. ISHTIAQUE JAHAN SHAFI 19-41803-3
ABSTRACT
A photovoltaic (PV) system converts sunlight into electricity. Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) algorithms optimize power output by adjusting the operating point. This lab
implements a constant voltage-based MPPT using a buck-boost converter to extract maximum
power.
THEORY
A photovoltaic (PV) system converts sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
The power output of a PV module depends on environmental factors such as solar irradiance
and temperature. To ensure optimal performance, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
algorithms are employed. These algorithms continuously adjust the operating point of the PV
system to maximize power output.
Constant Voltage Based Algorithm: This lab requires students to use a buck boost converter
with the given operating conditions and incorporate a MPP algorithm to get the most from the
available power from the PV panel. Fig. 1 shows an example of the insolation characteristics
of a PV panel. The MPP is achieved by calculating the measured voltage and current of the PV
panel. An accurate MPPT is a real time computing device that calculated the current power and
stores this data to compare the next calculated power to determine the operating points until it
reaches the MPP.
To implement an accurate MPPT requires many components and often a micro-controller is
used for collecting data, calculation and decision making. A simple constant voltage based
MPPT algorithm is shown in fig. 2. Instead of measuring both current and voltage, only PV
panel voltage is measured in this simple MPPT algorithm. The measured voltage VPV is
compared with a fixed reference voltage Vref in a microcontroller. A PWM generator then
compares this amplified error signal to a saw tooth waveform to generate the duty cycle for the
buck boost converter. This process will continue until VPV equals Vref.
Let’s consider fig. 1 as an example again. When the PV panel voltage is lower than the voltage
of the MPP and trying to reach it, the duty cycle for the buck boost converter needs to decrease.
On the other hand, when panel voltage is higher than the voltage of the MPP and trying to reach
it, the duty cycle needs to increase. When the panel voltage reaches the MPP of 17.2V (marked
by the red line in fig. 1) for example, the MPPT will work along the red line and power points
(red dots) are close to MPP.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this experiment is to:
• Implement a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm for a photovoltaic
(PV) system using a buck-boost converter.
• Analyze the impact of solar irradiance and temperature variations on PV system
performance.
• Use MATLAB/Simulink to model the PV system and evaluate the effectiveness of the
MPPT algorithm.
APPARATUS
• MATLAB/Simulink: For modeling the PV system and implementing MPPT
algorithms.
• Buck-Boost Converter: To regulate the voltage output of the PV panel.
• PV Panel Model: To simulate real-world photovoltaic behavior.
• MPPT Algorithm: To track and optimize power extraction from the PV panel.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Figure 3: Diagram.
PROCEDURE
1. Solar Irradiance Effect:
o Set the solar irradiance to 1000 W/m² and simulate the power delivered to the
load.
o Increase the irradiance to 1500 W/m² and plot the power delivered for both cases
on the same graph.
Figure 4: For 1000 W/m²
Figure 5: For 1500 W/m²
2. Temperature Effect:
o Set the temperature to 25°C and simulate the power, voltage, and current
delivered to the load.
o Increase the temperature to 45°C and repeat the simulation.
Figure 6: For 25°C
Figure 7: For 45°C
RESULTS & DISCUSSION
The results demonstrate the impact of irradiance and temperature on PV system performance.
Solar Irradiance Effect:
• At 1000 W/m², the PV power output reached approximately 123.7 W, with a PV voltage
of 7.718 V.
• Increasing the irradiance to 1500 W/m², the PV power output increased to 278.4 W,
and the PV voltage rose to 11.58 V.
• These results confirm that higher irradiance enhances power generation but also slightly
increases PV voltage.
• The observed trend aligns with the theoretical expectation that increased photon flux
generates higher electrical energy output. However, excessive irradiance can lead to
heating, affecting efficiency.
Temperature Effect:
• At 25°C, the PV system delivered a power output of approximately 125.2 W, with a PV
voltage of 7.764 V.
• When the temperature increased to 45°C, the PV power output dropped to 123.7 W,
and the PV voltage slightly reduced to 7.765 V.
• This trend indicates that increasing temperature reduces the PV voltage and affects
power output efficiency, aligning with theoretical expectations.
• The decrease in voltage with temperature increase is attributed to the bandgap
narrowing of semiconductor materials, reducing the open-circuit voltage and overall
efficiency.
System Efficiency and MPPT Performance: The MPPT algorithm effectively tracked the
maximum power points under different environmental conditions. The buck-boost converter
regulated voltage levels, ensuring stable power extraction at optimal efficiency. The dynamic
response of the system showed a smooth and rapid transition to the new maximum power points
after changes in irradiance and temperature, demonstrating the robustness of the MPPT
algorithm. Some transient oscillations were observed in the power output during sudden
irradiance changes, but these quickly settled, confirming system stability.
CONCLUSION
The experiment successfully implemented a constant voltage-based MPPT algorithm using a
buck-boost converter in a PV system. Results show that increasing irradiance improves power
output, whereas higher temperatures slightly decrease efficiency. The MPPT controller
efficiently tracked the maximum power point, optimizing power delivery under varying
conditions. Future improvements could include adaptive control techniques for further
efficiency enhancements, as well as real-world validation through hardware testing.
REFERENCES
[1] Gilbert M. Masters, “Renewable and Efficient Electric Power System,” Wiley, 2004
[2] Kalogirou, Soteris A. Solar energy engineering: processes and systems. Academic Press,
2009.
