Simplified P&O MPPT Algorithm for Accurate Power Tracking in Photovoltaic Systems

In this paper, a simplified version of the traditional Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) in photovoltaic (PV) systems is presented. The modification simplifies the decision-making steps in the algorithm's flowchart, leading to a reduction in code complexity and computational efficiency. Simulations were conducted at variable irradiance levels (500 W/m<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup>, 750 W/m<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup>, 1000 W/m<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup>) with constant temperature (25 °C) and at variable temperature levels (25 °C, 35 °C, 40 °C) with constant irradiance (1000 W/m<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup>). The simplified P&O MPPT algorithm was successfully applied to a developed model in MATLAB/Simulink environment, which consists of a 3x2 PV array, a SEPIC converter, and a rechargeable battery. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm more accurately tracks the maximum power point (MPP) with less oscillation in the steady and transient states compared to the conventional approach, under varying irradiances of 500-1000 W/m<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> and temperatures of 25-40 °C. The results indicate that the simplified algorithm requiring fewer lines of code and algorithm steps not only enhances tracking accuracy but also improves the overall efficiency of the PV system in dynamic environmental conditions.