GROUP NINE (9)
OPTION: Power Systems Engineering
Group List:
NAME
REG. NO.
REMARK
NWEKWE GODWIN CHINEDU
20182089963
PROJECT
LEADER
NWANERI ODINAKACHUKWU
PARACLETA
20171053063
Active member
NWOYE CHINONSO MALACHY
20182118653
Active member
NWEGBO CHUKWUEMEKA
STANLEY
20171055963
Active member
NYON BRIGHT ESSE
20171045843
Active member
A detailed explanation of the underlying principle/concept, circuit diagram, steps
followed and choice of component values in using MATLAB to Create the Design
and Simulation of 15A MPPT Charge Controller.
Introduction:
A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Charge Controller is an electronic
device used to charge a battery using solar panels. It is designed to extract the
maximum amount of power possible from a solar panel and regulate the charging
of a battery to prevent overcharging and over-discharging. The MPPT algorithm
adjusts the operating point of the solar panel to ensure that it is always operating at
the maximum power point (MPP). The charge controller is an essential component
of a solar power system as it ensures that the battery is charged efficiently and
safely.
In this report, we will explain the underlying principle and concept of an MPPT
Charge Controller, provide a circuit diagram, steps followed, and choice of
component values in using MATLAB to create design and simulate a 15A MPPT
Charge Controller.
Parameters of some major components:
PV ARRAY:
A Picture showing the parameters of the PV Array we used.
MPPT ALGORITHM
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an algorithm implemented in the
photovoltaic (PV) in solar charge controllers to continuously adjust the impedance
seen by the solar array to keep the PV system operating at, or close to, the peak
power point of the PV array under varying conditions, like changing solar
irradiance, temperature, and load.
THREE MOST COMMON MPPT ALGORITHMS ARE;
1. Perturbation and observation (P&O)
2. Incremental conductance
3. fractional open-circuit voltage
Fig :A screenshot of the perturbation and observation MPPT algorithm we
incorporated in our design.
Underlying Principle/Concept:
The underlying principle of an MPPT Charge Controller is to extract the maximum
amount of power from a solar panel by adjusting the operating point of the solar
panel. The solar panel has a current-voltage (I-V) curve that changes with the
amount of sunlight it receives. At a specific point on the I-V curve, the panel is
operating at its maximum power point (MPP). The MPP changes with the amount
of sunlight, temperature, and other environmental factors.
The MPPT algorithm tracks the MPP by adjusting the operating point of the solar
panel. The MPPT Charge Controller uses a DC-DC converter to adjust the voltage
and current from the solar panel to match the voltage and current required by the
battery. The DC-DC converter acts as an impedance matching device, converting
the high voltage and low current from the solar panel to a low voltage and high
current required by the battery.
The MPPT algorithm adjusts the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter to maintain
the operating point of the solar panel at the MPP. The MPPT algorithm
continuously monitors the output power of the solar panel and adjusts the duty
cycle of the DC-DC converter to maximize the power transfer to the battery.
Circuit Diagram:
The circuit diagram of the 15A MPPT Charge Controller
MPPT Charge Controller Circuit Diagram
The circuit consists of a solar panel, a DC-DC converter, a battery, and an MPPT
algorithm (P&O). The solar panel is connected to the input of the DC-DC
converter. The DC-DC converter is connected to the current measuring device
(Ammeter). The MPPT algorithm monitors the output of the solar panel and
adjusts the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter to maintain the operating point of
the solar panel at the MPP.
Steps Followed:
The steps followed to create a design and simulation of the 15A MPPT charge
controller using MATLAB are as follows:
Step 1: Define the specifications of the solar panel and other components used for
the design.
The first step in designing an MPPT charge controller is to define the
specifications of the solar panel and battery. The specifications include the
maximum power output of the solar panel, the open-circuit voltage, the shortcircuit current, and the maximum charging current.
For this design, we will use a solar panel with a maximum power output of 200W,
an open-circuit voltage of 40V, a short-circuit current of 8A and the maximum
charging current is 15A.
Step 2: Build the DC-DC converter
The next step is to build a suitable DC-DC converter that can regulate the charging
process and provide the required voltage and current for the battery. The converter
should be able to handle the input voltage and current from the solar panel and
provide a stable output voltage and current for the battery.
For this design, we will use a buck-boost converter, which can handle a wide range
of input voltages and provide a stable output voltage and current. The converter
will be controlled by a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal from the
microcontroller.
Step 3: Develop and incorporate the MPPT algorithm.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the design and simulation of an MPPT charge controller using
MATLAB involves several steps, including the selection of the controller type,
circuit diagram, component selection, and simulation using MATLAB. The
selection of the components should be based on the voltage and current rating of
the solar panel and the battery. MATLAB provides a powerful simulation
environment that can be used to simulate the performance of the MPPT charge
controller under different operating conditions. The simulation results can be used
to evaluate the performance of the MPPT charge controller and make necessary
changes to the circuit design or component values.