Overview on Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Techniques for Photovoltaic Power Systems
Photovoltaic (PV) is one of the mature technologies as a clean energy source. PV power generation is greatly affected by varying weather conditions (irradiance, temperature, etc.), and Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) has a decisive role to harvest the maximum possible energy from the PV system disregarding the fact of varying environmental conditions. Therefore, MPPT attains prior position considering the global efficiency of the PV system. This article provides an overview and potential applications of the MPPT technology in PV power systems. A comprehensive literature review is done on different MPPT structures, control strategies and operations, selection of components and other technical considerations. This work encompasses of 30 MPPT techniques which includes both conventional as well as recently published methods. It also discusses the MPPTs which are effective on partial shaded condition (PSC), low power applications and also for distributed PV system. An elaborate comparison among the MPPT techniques is made which is helpful for proper selection. The PV professionals and novice researchers will be benefitted in a great extent, since it is a source of valuable information on MPPT. At the end, a list of 185 research publications is appended for quick reference.