An extension neural network based incremental MPPT method for a PV system

In this paper, a novel incremental conductance (INC) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method based on extension neural network (ENN) is developed to make full use of photovoltaic (PV) array output power. The proposed method can adjust the step size to track the PV array's maximum power point (MPP) automatically. Compared with the conventional fixed step size INC and variable step size INC methods, the presented approach is able to effectively improve the dynamic response and steady state performance of a PV system simultaneously. A theoretical analysis and the design principle of the proposed method are described in detail. Some simulation results are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed ENN MPPT method.