Experimental investigation of the incremental conductance maximum power point tracking algorithm at high perturbation rates

One of the most commonly utilised maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for photovoltaic (PV) generators is the incremental conductance (INC) algorithm. Yet, the operating characteristics of this algorithm at high perturbation frequencies, when the system response to MPPT perturbations is never allowed to settle, have not been addressed in the literature. This study characterises system behaviour in this operating mode experimentally for a standalone PV system with a dc motor-pump load. Results show that the INC algorithm operating at a high perturbation rate offers higher energy utilisation efficiency and better system performance despite the resulting nonperiodic waveforms of the system.