Technical Evaluation and Comparative Analysis of Diverse Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithms Utilising a Boost Converter with Renewable Energy Sources

The inherent variability and the sporadic and unpredictable nature of solar irradiance limit the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) arrays in consistently achieving maximum power output. This paper addresses the technical challenge of enhancing power extraction efficiency from PV systems by implementing and conducting a comparative study of various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms. The various algorithms which are considered for analysis purpose are perturb and observe algorithm (P&O), incremental conductance algorithm (INC) and fuzzy logic-based algorithm (FLC). The objective is to identify the most effective algorithm to maintain PV array operation near its maximum power point (MPP) under dynamic environmental conditions. The methodology involves configuring a direct current (DC) DC-DC converter with precise duty cycle adjustments to optimise energy conversion and transfer. Additionally, the extracted energy is directed to a battery or energy storage unit via a secondary converter. The system is simulated in MATLAB ® to test and compare the performance of different MPPT algorithms. This facilitates the determination of which algorithm most efficiently optimises power extraction from the PV system.