Optimization of PV array with PID controller and MPPT(P&O)

Due to depletion in fossil fuel resources, alternate energies are gaining importance. Further, adverse effects of global warming, increased installation and fuel costs of conventional energy sources in remote areas motivates to switch to suitable renewable resources including fuel cells, wind energy, photovoltaic cells etc. Such renewable energy resources are clean, pollution free and cost effective as compared to conventional fuels. Due to readily availability of the photovoltaic energy, it finds most usage. There is continuous rise in applications of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, however the output voltage obtained from it is very low. Thus, there is need for suitable control technique to enhance the output voltage level. This paper presents the comparison of two techniques namely PID control and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques for voltage enhancement of a PV panel. The MPPT technique utilizes perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm. The output results of Simulink models indicates that there is a substantial increase in output voltage with good stability by MPPT (P&O) technique.