Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of an MPP Detection Algorithm Employing a Single-Voltage Sensor Only and a Noisy Signal

In this paper, a maximum power point (MPP) detection algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) systems is introduced, which uses the experimental information obtained from a single-voltage sensor, measured on a capacitor load, either linked at the output of a solar cell (SC), a PV module, or a PV string. The voltage signal is naturally affected by the noise which has a relevant effect on the process necessary for MPP determination, such as voltage first- and second-order derivatives. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) based on the present MPP detection algorithm employing a single-voltage sensor acquiring a signal affected by the significant noise. Theoretical evaluation, numerical simulations, and experimental measurements are carried out. Excellent agreement between the theoretical and experimental behavior is observed. Conditions for correct MPP detection are shown and good performances are obtained.