This paper presents evaluations among the most usual maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques, doing meaningful comparisons with respect to the amount of energy extracted from the photovoltaic (PV) panel [tracking factor (TF)] in relation to the available power, PV voltage ripple, dynamic response, and use of sensors. Using MatLab/Simulink and dSPACE platforms, a digitally controlled boost dc-dc converter was implemented and connected to an Agilent Solar Array E4350B simulator in order to verify the analytical procedures. The main experimental results are presented for conventional MPPT algorithms and improved MPPT algorithms named IC based on proportional-integral (PI) and perturb and observe based on PI. Moreover, the dynamic response and the TF are also evaluated using a user-friendly interface, which is capable of online program power profiles and computes the TF. Finally, a typical daily insulation is used in order to verify the experimental results for the main PV MPPT methods.

This paper presents a careful evaluation among the most usual MPPT techniques, doing meaningful comparisons with respect to the amount of energy extracted from the photovoltaic (PV) panel, PV voltage ripple, dynamic response and use of sensors, considering that the models are first implemented via MatLab/Simulink ^® , and after a digitally controlled boost DC-DC converter was implemented and connected to an Agilent Solar Array simulator in order to verify the simulation results. The prototype was built, the algorithms are digitally developed and the main experimental results are also presented, including dynamic responses and the experimental tracking factor (TF) for the analyzed MPPT techniques.

This study presents a single‐phase grid‐tied photovoltaic (PV) system based on a global maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique, which is performed by means of the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) method. The PSO‐based MPPT technique is employed to solve problems related to mismatching phenomena, such as partial shading, in which the PV arrays are commonly submitted. Considering the search of the global maximum power point under partial shading, the effectiveness of the PSO‐based MPPT technique is highlighted when compared with the well‐known perturb and observe MPPT technique, since both the mentioned MPPT techniques are used to determine the dc‐bus voltage reference to ensure a proper grid‐tied inverter operation. A current generator algorithm based on a synchronous reference frame is proposed, which operates in conjunction with a dc‐bus controller and MPPT algorithms, computing the reference current of the grid‐tied inverter. In addition, the current generator controls the energy processed by the PV system to avoid over power rating of the grid‐tied inverter, since the active power injection into the grid, reactive power compensation and harmonic currents suppression are carried out simultaneously. The performance and feasibility of the grid‐tied PV system are evaluated by means of simulation and experimental results.

The note presents an algorithm for the average cost control problem of continuous-time Markov jump linear systems. The controller assumes a linear state-feedback form and the corresponding control gain does not depend on the Markov chain. In this scenario, the control problem is that of minimizing the long-run average cost. As an attempt to solve the problem, we derive a global convergent algorithm that generates a gain satisfying necessary optimality conditions. Our algorithm has practical implications, as illustrated by the experiments that were carried out to control an electronic dc-dc buck converter. The buck converter supplied a load that suffered abrupt changes driven by a homogeneous Markov chain. Besides, the source of the buck converter also suffered abrupt Markov-driven changes. The experimental results support the usefulness of our algorithm.

This study deals with a double‐stage single‐phase grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) system operating with an additional feed‐forward control loop (FFCL). Owing to the PV array being constantly subjected to abrupt solar irradiance change, the DC‐bus voltage varies and can interfere in adequate PV system operation. Therefore, an FFCL is proposed to improve the DC‐bus voltage dynamic response, and reduce the settling time and overshoot. The FFCL acts on the generation of the inverter current reference, such that the dynamic behaviour of the current injected into the grid is also improved. Furthermore, the PV system performance is affected by problems associated with mismatching phenomena such as partial shading. This problem can be overcome using the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique based on particle swarm optimisation (PSO). The PSO‐based MPPT is compared with the conventional perturb‐and‐observe MPPT technique, in order to highlight its effectiveness. In this study, the PV system also performs active power‐line conditioning. Thereby, whereas the step‐up DC–DC converter carries out the MPPT, the proper inverter current reference is computed to inject active power into the grid, as well as perform power‐line conditioning. The performance and effectiveness of the PV system are evaluated through extensive experimental tests.

This paper presents a careful evaluation among the most usual MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) techniques, doing meaningful comparisons with respect to the amount of energy extracted from the photovoltaic (PV) panel, PV voltage ripple, dynamic response and use of sensors. Firstly, the MPPT and boost converter models were implemented via MatLab/Simulink®, and after a DC to DC boost converter, digitally controlled, was implemented and connected to an Agilent Solar Array simulator, in order to validate the simulation results. The algorithms are digitally developed and the main experimental results are also presented from the implemented prototype. Furthermore, the experimental dynamic results and the computed tracking factors are presented.