Design and Implementation of Maximum Power Point Tracking Solar Charge Controller

Abstract

Solar or photovoltaic (PV) system is an alternative clean energy resource that has received much attention in the research and industries. Solar charge controller (CC) is the heart of a solar system. Three common types of charge controller are ON/Off, pulse width modulation (PWM) and maximum power point tracking (MPPT). MPPT is getting very much popularity nowadays for its high capability of power extracting from solar panel. This paper is presenting here an improved design of MPPT solar charge controller using Aurduino. The proposed technique significantly reduces system power loss and increase the efficiency.

Existing System

Fuzzy logic based MPPT approach in a grid connected photovoltaic system.

Proposed System

In this paper a MPPT charge controller has been designed and tested. The proposed system demonstrates its low cost, low power consumption, microcontroller based control unit and high power efficiency. Microcontroller based alternative was chosen since it permits easy and customized system modifications. The proposed system also facilitates remote monitoring with data storage, external device charging and continuous system status displaying. Aurduino makes the system simpler, more efficient and highly flexible. This research therefore aims at designing and implementing a microcontroller based MPPT solar charge controller technique using Aurduino.

Architecture

Block diagram of the proposed solar charge controller