Incremental Conductance Algorithm for Tracking the MPP of a Solar PV Panel

Abstract? This paper proposes an adaptive and optimal control strategy for the maximum power point tracking of solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The control strategy ensures that the solar PV panel is always perpendicular to sunlight and simultaneously operated at its maximum power point (MPP) for continuously harvesting maximum power. The proposed control strategy is the combination of the solar tracker (ST) and MPP tracker (MPPT) that can greatly improve the generated power from solar PV systems. Regarding the ST system, the research work presents the two drive approaches including open- and closed-loop drives with their merits and demerits. Additionally, this paper also proposes an improved incremental conductance (InC) algorithm for enhancing the speed of the MPP tracking of a solar PV panel under various atmospheric conditions as well as guaranteeing that the operating point always moves towards the MPP using this proposed algorithm