A Novel Adaptive Control Approach for Maximum Power-Point Tracking in Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

Maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) is applied to enable effective operation of photovoltaic (PV) systems under different external conditions. MPPT is based on a control system that aims at maintaining the PV system operation in the most effective conditions of maximum power output. This paper demonstrates the effective application of a novel adaptive control approach developed to be used in the field of power electronics. The application to MPPT is developed by using a non-inverted Buck-Boost converter applied to the PV system. The novel control methodology is based on the application of the Lyapunov stability concepts. The strength of this novel control technique is confirmed by the accurate comparison among the results obtained by using the proposed solution and some controllers proposed in the literature.

Keywords

• photovoltaic plant
• maximum power-point tracker
• Buck-Boost converter
• Lyapunov theory
• model reference adaptive control
• Torelli control box