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Design And Construction Of A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Controller

The design and construction of a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller involves the development of a sophisticated electronic system that optimizes the power output of renewable energy sources such as solar panels. This device dynamically adjusts the operating conditions of the solar panels to ensure that they continuously operate at their maximum power point (MPP), thereby enhancing their efficiency and overall energy output. The MPPT controller utilizes advanced algorithms and circuitry to constantly monitor the voltage and current characteristics of the solar panels, enabling it to accurately determine the MPP under varying environmental conditions such as temperature and irradiance. Through rapid and precise adjustments to the electrical load, the MPPT controller maximizes the power transfer from the solar panels to the load or energy storage system, thus improving the overall performance and reliability of the photovoltaic system. The construction of an MPPT controller typically involves the integration of microcontrollers, power electronics components such as DC-DC converters, sensors for measuring environmental parameters, and a user interface for monitoring and control. By implementing MPPT technology, renewable energy systems can achieve higher energy yields, reduce dependence on grid power, and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.

ABSTRACT

This work covers the design and construction of a “Maximum Power Point Tracking” as used in solar electric charge controllers.

An MPPT, or maximum power point tracker is an electronic DC to DC converter that optimizes the match between the solar array (PV panels), and the battery bank or utility grid. To put it simply, they convert a higher voltage DC output from solar panels down to the lower voltage needed to charge batteries

It prevents overcharging and may protect against overvoltage, which can reduce battery performance or lifespan, and may pose a safety risk. It may also prevent completely draining a battery, or perform controlled discharges, depending on the battery technology, to protect battery life. The terms “charge controller” or “charge regulator” may refer to either a stand-alone device, or to control circuitry integrated within a battery pack, solar battery-powered device, or battery charger. The aim of this work is to build a MPPT type solar charge controller.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

1.4 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

1.5 PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

1.7 PROBLEM OF THE PROJECT

1.8 LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT

1.9 METHODOLOGY

1.10 PROJECT ORGANISATION

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 REVIEW OF THE PROJECT

2.2 CLASSIFICATION OF MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKERS

2.3 MPPT PLACEMENT

2.4 OPERATIONAL REVIEW OF MPPT CONTROLLER REVIEW

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY

3.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE SYSTEM

3.2 SYSTEM CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

3.3 CIRCUIT OPERATION

3.4 SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER SPECIFICATIONS

3.5 DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS USED

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 TESTING AND RESULT ANALYSIS

4.1 INSTALLATION OF THE COMPLET DESIGN

4.2 CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

4.3 CASING AND PACKAGING

4.4 ASSEMBLING OF SECTIONS

4.5 TESTING OF SYSTEM OPERATION

4.6 PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION

5.1 RECOMMENDATION

5.3 REFERENCES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

Energy plays vital role for development in all sectors. With depletion of fossil fuels used for power generation and increase in demand for power, the gap between supply and demand is becoming more. Renewable energy sources can only provide solution to face this energy crisis. Out of renewable energy options, solar energy is the most potential source for all tropical countries (Messenger A, 2004). Sun radiates 180 billion MW of energy over Earth Just one hour of this energy could meet power needs of entire planet for a year. India receives 5000 Trillion KWhrs of energy from SUN per annum. This energy is clean, pollution free and inexhaustible and is available free and in abundance. Basically the components involved in solar system are PV panel, DC-DC Converter, Battery, Inverter (Messenger A, 2004).

The PV panel produces electrical voltage/current from solar energy. This solar panel can produce more than the rated voltage to the battery which can be dangerous to the battery due to the high radiation of the sun. In order to tackle the present energy crisis it is necessary to develop an efficient manner in which power has to be extracted from the incoming solar radiation. The use of the newest power control mechanisms called solar charge controller was invented.

Solar Charge controller is basically a voltage and/or current regulator to keep batteries from overcharging.

Solar Charge Controller is fully configurable and developed to meet the highest industry standards to ensure maximal efficiency in retrieving energy from any PV system. When connected to solar panels and batteries, the solar charge controller automatically charges the batteries in an optimal way with all the available solar power. Solar charger controller’s sophisticated three stage charge control system can be configured to optimize charge parameters to precise battery requirements. The unit is fully protected against voltage transients, over temperature, over current, reverse battery and reverse PV connections. An automatic current limit feature allows use of the full capability without worrying about overload from excessive current, voltage or amp-hour based load control (Nazih Moubayed, 2009).

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Solar panel supplies energy to the battery according to the intensity of light which means it can supply voltage more than the rated voltage of the battery which can cause damage to the battery. Solar charge controller is used to overcome this problem. Maximum Power Point Tracking controller is used for correcting and detecting variations in the current-voltage characteristics of solar panel. By using solar charge controller, we can use solar panel with a voltage output greater than the battery system operating voltage. System’s complexity can be reduced by using solar charge controller as it has high efficiency. It can be applied for using with multiple energy sources such as water turbines or wind-power turbines, and so on. The solar panel’s output power is used for controlling DC-DC converter directly.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The objective of this work is to design an MPPT solar charge controller.This device will maintain the required voltage magnitude coming from solar panel necessary for the load or control the battery voltage supplied from solar panel.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The main scope of project is, the photovoltaic cells are converting the sunlight in to electricity a charge controller is used. PV cells are bundled together in modules or panels to produce higher voltages and increased power. As the sunlight varies in intensity the electricity so generated usually charges through the charge a set of batteries for storing the energy.

MPPT solar charge controller is used for correcting and detecting variations in the current-voltage characteristics of solar panel. By using MPPT solar charge controller, we can use solar panel with a voltage output greater than the battery system operating voltage. System’s complexity can be reduced by using MPPT solar charge controller as it has high efficiency. It can be applied for using with multiple energy sources such as water turbines or wind-power turbines, and so on. The solar panel’s output power is used for controlling DC-DC converter directly.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

Solar Charge controller is basically a voltage and/or current regulator to keep batteries from overcharging. It regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels going to the battery. Most “12 volt” panels put out about 16 to 20 volts, so if there is no regulation the batteries will be damaged from overcharging. Most batteries need around 14 to 14.5 volts to get fully charged.

Solar Charge controller may also monitor battery temperature to prevent overheating. Some charge controller systems also display data, transmit data to remote displays, and data logging to track electric flow over time.

MPPT technology is flexible and strong in taking voltage and current from the solar panel to search the peak power by adjusting control signals to operate solar panel at its peak power

1.6 APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT

Maximum Power Point Tracking control circuits are used for rechargeable electronic devices such as cell phones, laptop computers, portable audio players, and uninterruptible power supplies, as well as for larger battery systems found in electric vehicles and orbiting space satellites.

1.7 PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

Use of batteries with solar panels is usually not good. So to avoid failure of batteries before time solar charge controller is used. For example you have a 12 volt battery and you want to charge it with 12 volt solar panel. 12 volt solar panel outputs 17-20 volt. So these 17-20 volt may damage battery due to overcharging, because batteries maximum charging voltage is usually between 13.5-14 volt. To avoid this issue we need to develop a regulator which can control flow of charge from solar panel towards battery. Solar charge controller is used for this purpose.

1.8 METHODOLOGY

To achieve the aim and objectives of this work, the following are the steps involved:

Study of the previous work on the project so as to improve it efficiency.
Draw a block diagram.

Test for continuity of components and devices,

Design and calculation for the device was carried out.
Studying of various component used in circuit.
Construction of the circuit was carried out.

Finally, the whole device was cased and final test was carried out.

1.9 PROJECT WORK ORGANISATION

The various stages involved in the development of this project have been properly put into five chapters to enhance comprehensive and concise reading. In this project thesis, the project is organized sequentially as follows:

Chapter one of this work is on the introduction to the study. In this chapter, the background, significance, objective limitation and problem of solar charge controller were discussed.

Chapter two is on literature review of the study. In this chapter, all the literature pertaining to this work was reviewed.

Chapter three is on design methodology. In this chapter all the method involved during the design and construction were discussed.

Chapter four is on testing analysis. All testing that result accurate functionality was analyzed.

Chapter five is on conclusion, recommendation and references.