Power Output of a Standalone Photovoltaic Generator under Maximum Power Point Tracking in a Changing Local Weather Condition

Abstract

The effect of changing metrological conditions on the power output performance of a local photovoltaic module as well as the effect of utilizing maximum power point tracking on the power output of the photovoltaic system is investigated in this paper. Firstly, the PV array is modeled using single diode, 5-parameter model and the Maximum Power Point (MPPT) control is developed and implemented in the DC-DC power converter using Perturb and Observe (P&O) intelligent algorithm. The model is then applied to a local commercially available solar panel to determine the performance and implication of utilizing MPPT on the power output of the solar panel. The results reveals that implementation of MPPT controller consistently sustained an increased power output of the PV, consequently yielding a 27% improvement in energy delivery. This paper therefore motivates for local policy on solar PV installation as it is generally observed that most PV module installed are without MPPT. ©University of Ibadan

Keywords: Maximum Power Point Tracking, Power Output, Photovoltaic, Standalone, Efficiency