Comparison of PO and INC MPPT Methods Using FPGA In-The-Loop Under Different Radiation Conditions

Abstract

The Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms are applied to obtain maximum efficiency under different atmospheric conditions in photovoltaic (PV) systems. Perturb&Observe (PO) and Incremental Conductance (INC) methods are the oldest algorithms used among MPPT methods. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) are used especially in applications requiring high speed. FPGA in-the-loop feature is used to test algorithms designed in MATLAB/Simulink environment. In this study, PO and INC methods have been designed to work in FPGA environment. Both algorithms have been tested under different radiation conditions using FPGA-in-the-loop feature. The FPGA in-the-loop simulation result of PO and INC methods has been graphically shown. In this study, Altera DE2-115 development board was used to test PO and INC MPPT algorithms. On the other hand, PO and INC methods were synthesized using the Quartus-II program. Comparisons of simplicity of algorithms were made according to synthesis results. Thus, by using the FGPA in-the-loop feature and performing the synthesis process, both the algorithms were tested and the areas covered by the algorithms in the FPGA were compared.