Implementation of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) in Solar PV using

Buck, Boost and Buck-Boost Converter

Lokesh Kumar Patil1, Varun Shahi2, R. K. Nema3, S. Nema4, Deepak Verma5
Department of Electrical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology
Bhopal, 462051, INDIA

Maximum power point (MPPT) is a paramount part of solar PV system to draw maximum available power
which is produced by the solar PV. MPPT is based on the maximum power transfer theorem. When the
impedance of source and load becomes equal then only, solar PV delivers maximum power to the load.
Matching of impedance is done by DC-DC converter but the duty cycle of the converter is decided by the MPPT
algorithm. Although DC-DC converter design is a major aspect in every tracking scheme. This paper presents
implementation of buck, boost and buck-boost converter for MPPT operation in solar PV system. The testing of
solar PV array is done by means of emulator and the control operation is obtained through FPGA based NI-
sbRIO-9606 card interfaced with LabVIEW software and results are verified.

1. Introduction
In the last few decades global electricity demand is growing with very high rate among all the energy
consumed worldwide. Thus we are facing a big challenge of never ending increase in energy demand
as a result of overall socio economic growth [1]. As we all know that renewables are prevailing
nowadays, the photovoltaic cell (Solar PV) is on the leading edge [2], but the efficiency is very less so
to enhance the efficiency of solar PV system is to operate them at a point where we can extract
maximum possible power. Recent literature shows that lots of research efforts are ongoing towards
enhancement in the output of the module in terms of MPPT. The I-V characteristics of photovoltaic
(PV) module is non-linear and its P-V (Power-Voltage) characteristics shows that there exists only
one point (Pm) at which the module deliver the maximum power. This point varies with the change in
temperature and insolation. Thus the mismatching between source and load characteristics reduces
the availability of maximum possible accessible power delivered to the load which causes a major
power loss. Impedance matching is done by the help of DC-DC converter and the duty cycle of the
system is decided by the MPPT algorithm. Converter designing is very crucial part in any scheme.

2. Impedance matching by DC-DC converter in MPPT operation

DC-DC converter is a crucial part in tracking of maximum power, as the source can deliver maximum
power only when corresponding to VMPP or IMPP. Shifting the terminal voltage (Vi) or current (Ii) of
solar PV array corresponding to the VMPP or IMPP is somewhat difficult while designing the DC-DC
converter. Fig. 8 shows the block diagram of MPPT system [3-6].

PV Array
IO
Ii
+
+
L
DC-DC O
Vi CONVERTER Zo
Vo A
- D
_

Zsource
D (by mppt)
Fig.1. Block diagram of MPPT operation
3. Design of DC-DC Converter for Maximum Power Point Tracking

3.1. Buck converter

It is one of the basic topology as compared to other topologies and is used in industries to reduce
the level of the output voltage as compared to the input voltage. Below figure shows the topology of
buck converter. Switch disconnects in each cycle as the Duty-cycle (D) and switching frequency (fs)
from the pulse width modulator, is in the shape of rectangular pulse, average value of output
voltage (Vo) is always less than the input voltage(Vi) because of the ON and OFF switching.

S1

Ro
D,fs +

Vi Vo
D1
Cout
_

Current direction when switch is on Current direction when switch is off

Current direction when switch is off and energy stored in inductor is completely ended

Fig.2. Topology of buck converter

Fig. shows the operating principle of buck converter. When the switch S1 is turned on by the pulse of
PWM, current starts flowing through the inductor(L) and further divides into two parts (one flowing
through the output capacitor Cout and the other flowing through the load Ro) and the inductor
current starts increasing linearly. When the switch is turned OFF, the inductor starts flowing through
the load and diode(D1) becomes until whole energy of inductor dissipated that output capacitor(C0ut)
starts supplying current to the load. If the inductor current is positive in whole operation, it is called
as continuous current but if inductor current becomes zero or negative at any instance of time then
it is called as discontinuous current. [7].

3.1.1 Design calculations for MPPT operation

In MPPT the role of DC-DC converter is to shift the Vi corresponding to the VMPP even when
the load voltage is less (buck) or more (boost) than the supplied voltage or terminal voltage of solar
PV system. Design becomes difficult as the output voltage is unknown.
𝑉𝑖
𝑍𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 𝐼𝑖
(1)

From equation (1)

𝑉𝑜
𝑉𝑖 = 𝐷

and 𝐼𝑖 = 𝐷 × 𝐼𝑜
Substituting these values in equation (7)
𝑉𝑜
𝑉𝑜 𝑍
𝑍𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 𝐷
𝐷×𝐼𝑜
=𝐼 2 = 𝐷𝑜2
𝑜 ×𝐷

Modifying above equation we get:

𝑍𝑜
𝐷 = √𝑍
𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒

VMPP
For transferring the maximum power Zsource=ZMPP, where ZMPP =
IMPP

𝑍𝑜
Thus 𝐷 = √𝑍 (2)
𝑀𝑃𝑃

From equation (2) duty cycle corresponding to the MPP can be obtained for 0 ≤ 𝐷 ≤ 1 load
impedance must be:

𝑍𝑜 ≤ 𝑍𝑀𝑃𝑃 (3)

Inductor value can be modified as:

𝑉𝑖 ×𝐷(1−𝐷)
𝐿= (4)
∆𝐼𝐿 ×𝑓𝑠

Calculation
𝑍𝑜 10
Thus 𝐷=√ =√ = 0.43
𝑍𝑀𝑃𝑃 52.67

Table 1
Observation Table for Finding Maximum power for Buck converter
Duty cycle Vpv (V) Ipv (A) Vout (V) Iout (A) Pmax (W)
0.25 18.62 0.26 4.23 0.71 3.0
0.3 17.25 0.34 4.56 0.76 3.47
0.35 15.48 0.40 4.72 0.80 3.77
0.4 13.45 0.44 4.73 0.80 3.78
0.45 12.68 0.41 4.88 0.84 4.1
0.5 10.32 0.42 4.5 0.76 3.42
0.55 8.59 0.43 4.07 0.69 2.81

3.2 Boost converter design

Boost converter is power converter which converts lower input voltage to higher output voltage
therefore it is also called as voltage step up converter. The boost converter topology is shown in Fig.
10. Fig. 8 presents the operating principle of buck converter. When the switch S1 is turned on by
providing the pulse of PWM to the switch, current starts flows through the inductor (L) and energy is
stored in it in the form of magnetic field. When the switch is turned off, energy stored in the
inductor provides an induced voltage across the inductor that adds to the input voltage. The input
voltage (Vi) and voltage across the inductor are in series and collectively charge the output capacitor
(Cout) to a higher voltage compared to input voltage [7].
 L
D1

· · ·

·
Ro

·
S1
Vi D, f C1
DC
Vo

·
_

·
·

Current direction when switch is on Current direction when switch is off

Charging current direction when switch is on

Fig.3. Topology of boost converter

3.2.1 Design calculations for MPPT operation
Impedance seen from solar PV (Zsource).
𝑉𝑖
𝑍𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 =
𝐼𝑖
𝑜 𝐼
Thus 𝑉𝑖 = (1 − 𝐷)𝑉𝑜 and 𝐼𝑖 = (1−𝐷),
𝑉𝑜
𝑍𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 = (1 − 𝐷)2 = 𝑍𝑜 (1 − 𝐷)2
𝐼𝑜
𝑍𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒
𝐷 =1−√ 𝑍𝑜
VMPP
For transferring maximum power Zsource=ZMPP, where ZMPP = IMPP
𝑍𝑀𝑃𝑃
Thus 𝐷 =1−√ (5)
𝑍𝑜
From equation (16) duty cycle corresponding to the MPP can be obtained, for 0 ≤ 𝐷 ≤ 1 load
impedance must be:
𝑍𝑜 ≥ 𝑍𝑀𝑃𝑃 (6)
From equation (12) the value of inductor can be modified as:
𝑉 ×𝐷
𝐿 = ∆𝐼𝑖 ×𝑓 (7)
𝐿 𝑠

𝑍𝑀𝑃𝑃 7.41
𝐷 =1−√ 𝑍𝑜 = 1  0.69
80
Table 2
Observation Table for Finding Maximum power for Boost converter
Duty-cycle Vpv Ipv Vout Iout Pmax
0.55 18.31 1.61 34.68 0.53 18.38
0.6 17.67 2.05 37.4 0.58 21.69
0.65 16.6 2.60 39.2 0.62 24.30
0.69 14.69 3.05 39.6 0.62 24.55
0.74 11.14 2.48 36.64 0.56 20.52
0.75 10.65 2.48 35.64 0.54 19.25
3.3 Buck-boost converter design

This converter operates as both buck and boost converter depending of duty cycle. The output
voltage (Vo) is either less than or greater than the input voltage but the polarity of the output
voltage is opposite to the input voltage. The buck converter topology is shown in Fig. 2. When the
switch is turned on, diode becomes reverse biased and current starts flowing through the inductor
and inductor stores energy. When switch is turned off, stored energy in inductor charges the
capacitor through the diode and supplies current to the load. This makes the output voltage to a
polarity opposite to the input voltage as depicts in Fig. 4 [7].

D1
_
S1
D,f
Vi
DC
L Cout Vo

+
Current direction when switch is on Current direction when switch is off
Current direction when switch is off and energy stored in inductor is completely ended

Fig.4. Topology of buck-boost converter

3.3.1 Design calculations for MPPT operation

Impedance seen from solar PV (Zsource).
𝑉𝑖
𝑍𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 =
𝐼𝑖

(1−𝐷)𝑉 𝐷×𝐼
𝑜
From equation (19) 𝑉𝑖 = and 𝐼𝑖 = (1−𝐷) ,
𝐷 𝑜

𝑉𝑜 1−𝐷 2 1−𝐷 2
𝑍𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 𝐼𝑜
( 𝐷 ) = 𝑍𝑜 ( 𝐷
)

1
𝐷= 𝑍
1+√ 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒
𝑍𝑜

VMPP
For transferring the maximum power Zsource=ZMPP, where ZMPP =
IMPP

1
Thus 𝐷= 𝑍
(8)
1+√ 𝑀𝑃𝑃
𝑍𝑜

Duty cycle corresponding to the MPP can be obtained, for 0 ≤ 𝐷 ≤ 1 load impedance may be:

𝑍𝑀𝑃𝑃 ≥ 𝑍𝑜 ≥ 𝑍𝑀𝑃𝑃 (9)

1 1
𝐷= 𝑍𝑚𝑝𝑝
= = 0.34
52.67
1+√ 1+√
𝑍𝑜 15
 Table 3
Observation Table for Finding Maximum power for Buck converter
Duty-cycle Vpv (V) Ipv (A) Vout (V) Iout (A) Pmax (W)

0.25 18.5 0.24 6.02 0.56 3.37

0.3 16.02 0.36 6.5 0.60 3.9

0.34 14.01 0.42 7 0.64 4.48

0.38 10.94 0.4 6.1 0.56 3.416

0.4 9.64 0.40 5.69 0.52 2.96

0.45 6.8 0.4 4.8 0.43 2.06

0.5 4.94 0.39 4.07 0.36 1.47

4. Hardware implementation

PV Emulator

PV Emulator is a programmable power supply device designed to emulate solar panels. With fast
transient response, the emulator responds to change in load conditions and maintains the output on
IV characteristics of the selected panel for a given ambient condition. It is a flexible instrument
designed to emulate output of solar panels from different manufacturers, variations due to time of
the day, effect of season and different geographical locations of installation. The PV Emulator uses
an internal algorithm to adjust VOC (Open circuit voltage) and ISC (short circuit current) so as to
match the solar panel selected by the user based on ambient temperatures, solar radiation levels
etc. The power outputted by solar panels depends on lot of parameters. These parameters are
dynamic and interdependent; making it a complex process to predict the response of the PV system.
PV emulator takes into account the weather conditions at the time of year specified, position of the
sun at the hour specified, location of the panel, positioning of the panel and technology &
manufacturer of the panel to estimate the response the solar panel. Emulator then makes sure the
response matches to that of actual panel under all the load conditions within range. The user is
presented with complete set of information with tables and plots on user application. The emulator
is capable of storing up to twenty five I-V curves into its memory, with a programmed time interval
range of one hour. It can emulate the I-V curve for the complete day for PV inverter testing or
dynamic I-V curve transient testing.
 Fig. 5. Experimental setup

Fig 6. Solar PV Emulator

5. Results and discussions

To verify the designed calculation, designed converters are tested over four channel PV
emulator. In whole setup there are a buck, boost and buck-boost converter are present. The
PV Emulator is shown in the fig. 6. Firstly, setting the channel of the emulator and calculate
the Vmpp and Impp and find the value of Zmpp (Source Impedance) then according to the
converter the value of rheostat is set which are discussed above. Secondly, with the help of
LabVIEW the duty cycle is changed in a range and finding the maximum power point and the
graph is observed which are shown in fig. 7,8 and 9. This shows the duty cycle, inductor
current, output voltage, PV voltage which is input to converter, PV current and PV power.

5.1 Buck converter

The graph shown in the figure 7 (a) represents the duty cycle of buck converter with respect
to time and it is stable at 43% because at this duty cycle we get the maximum power output.
The fig. 7(b) represents the inductor current of buck converter with respect to time and it is
at maximum power point. Fig 7(c) represents the output voltage with respect to time of the
converter across the rheostat and it is showing average value of 4.88 volts. Fig 7(d) shows
the output current of PV emulator with respect to time it is also input to the buck converter.
Fig 7(e) shows the output voltage of PV emulator with respect to time, this voltage is also
input to the buck converter. Fig 7(f) represents the power of the PV emulator at 43% duty
cycle of the converter; it is the output power of PV emulator.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

Fig. 7. (a) Duty cycle (b) Inductor current (c) output voltage (d) Input current (e) input
voltage (f) input power

5.2 Boost converter

The graph shown in the figure 8 (a) represents the duty cycle of boost converter with
respect to time and it is stable at 69% because at this duty cycle we get the maximum power
output. The fig. 8(b) represents the inductor current of boost converter with respect to time
and it is at maximum power point. Fig 8(c) represents the output voltage with respect to
time of the converter across the rheostat and it is showing average value of 39.4 volts. Fig
8(d) shows the output current of PV emulator with respect to time it is also input to the
buck converter. Fig 8(e) shows the output voltage of PV emulator with respect to time, this
voltage is also input to the boost converter. Fig 8(f) represents the power of the PV
emulator at 69% duty cycle of the converter; it is the output power of PV emulator.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

Fig. 8. (a) Duty cycle (b) Inductor current (c) output voltage (d) Input current (e)
input voltage (f) input power

5.3 Buck Boost converter

The graph shown in the figure 9 (a) represents the duty cycle of buck boost converter with
respect to time and it is stable at 34% because at this duty cycle we get the maximum power
output. The fig. 9(b) represents the inductor current of buck boost converter with respect to
time and it is at maximum power point. Fig 9(c) represents the output voltage with respect
to time of the converter across the rheostat and it is showing average value of 7 volts. Fig
9(d) shows the output current of PV emulator with respect to time it is also input to the
buck converter. Fig 9(e) shows the output voltage of PV emulator with respect to time, this
voltage is also input to the buck converter. Fig 9(f) represents the power of the PV emulator
at 34% duty cycle of the converter; it is the output power of PV emulator.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

Fig. 9 (a) Duty cycle (b) Inductor current (c) output voltage (d) Input current (e) input
voltage (f) input power
6. Conclusion
Buck, Boost and Buck-Boost converter for MPPT has been discussed in this paper. It is clear
that the maximum power which is to be extracted is also depends on duty cycle as well as
load impedance. As the results show that the converter is getting maximum power from the
solar module, for a particular set of environmental conditions. All the test has been
performed with the help of Solar PV Emulator and the results have been presented. The
conclusion can be made that the proposed technique has been successfully
implemented. The results show that the efficiency of the converter is highest at the
calculated duty cycle.

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