Title: Maximum power point in a single step in solar photovoltaic panels

Abstract

Solar PV system arises as viable option in the critical power system era, its low efficiency energy conversion attribute necessitates an efficient power conversion system. The nonlinearity of I–V (current–voltage) characteristic and its alteration for an assorted insolation and temperature values may enable the alteration in terminal voltage. This may deviate maximum power point due to which the available maximum power delivery to load can be differed. Literature of this field reiterated that the uniform insolation and partial shading condition demands undeniable need of maximum power point tracking. Nonetheless through investigation in this direction furnishes the availability of a bunch of such techniques; each of them possesses its own pros and cons. This ubiquitous trait of available maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques unfolds the complexity in its precise selection. To diminish such complexity this article offers a novel idea in DC-DC converter hardware alteration instead of software (algorithm) to reach maximum point in a single step. A high precise capacitor with low electro static resistance is connected in parallel with a DC-DC converter (any type) with a single semi-conductor switch. This arrangement enables user to know the entire curve region with maximum operating point, thanks to highspeed microcontrollers. The converter is then in turn to operate accurately at that particular point, which removes the oscillation around MPP point. A hardware prototype of 1 kW lab scale setup has been developed and experimental results shows 18% improvement in MPP tracking capability (which generates 18% more energy than exist), which we see as a game changer for PV industry. The detailed circuit, and its economic analysis will be given in the full-length article.