Simple adaptive incremental conductance MPPT algorithm using improved control model

In order to achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of the photovoltaic system, many algorithms have been proposed such as incremental conductance (IncCond) MPPT algorithms with a fixed step size or a variable step size. However, most of the proposed algorithms track the maximum power points (MPPs) with an inaccurate response, sustained oscillation, low tracking efficiency, and the loss of energy under fast changing solar irradiation. This paper presents a simple adaptive incremental conductance MPPT algorithm, which uses the variable step size with an improved step model and an improved control strategy to track the MPPs in an adaptive way. The novelty of the proposed method is the combination of the two step models, appropriate error permitted, and precise direction control. The proposed IncCond MPPT algorithm is simulated in MATLAB Simulink, and the capability of an adaptive, fast, accurate response, and high efficiency of MPP tracking with no steady-state oscillation is validated by comparing to a conventional IncCond MPPT algorithm with a fixed step size and improved IncCond MPPT algorithm with a variable step size under fast changing solar irradiation. The high performance of the proposed method compared to the two methods mentioned before is also validated when solar irradiation increases at a different speed.