Energy xxx (2014) 1e12

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Energy
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/energy

FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for
PV (photovoltaic) array system operating partially shaded conditions
Koray Sener Parlak
College of Technical Science, Department of Electronics and Automation, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: In PV (photovoltaic) systems, MPPT (maximum power point tracking) methods play highly crucial role
Received 18 September 2013 for its own research domain. Researchers can get effective results using traditional MPPT methods which
Received in revised form work well under uniform irradiance conditions. On the other hand mentioned methods cannot always
19 December 2013
run successfully since there is more than one local maxima in PV characteristics under partial shading
Accepted 6 February 2014
conditions. Under partial shading conditions, one can meet to various approaches in the literature
Available online xxx
working accurately they can, however, reveal complex calculations or requires some of extra parameters
such as datasheet values, system configuration data. Here, we propose a novel MPPT method providing
Keywords:
Photovoltaic panels
GMPP (global maximum power point) for PV arrays under any environmental conditions. This method is
Partial shaded conditions based on sensing the current and voltage values of a capacitor connected to the output of the PV array
Maximum power point tracker during the charging time. Then it compares instantaneous power values to maximum power, and esti-
FPGA mates maximum power value and corresponding voltage value. Matlab-Simulink and FPGA based test
system have been utilized for verification stage of the proposed MPPT method under uniform and
partially shaded conditions, and we got promising results.
Ó 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction environmental condition especially irradiance level or partial

Using renewable energy sources have been increased against
harmful of conventional energy sources such as greenhouse effect,
prices etc. Among the renewable energy sources, photovoltaic is
such popular. As very well known, PV modules convert the solar
energy into electricity. There are a lot of studies on PV systems,
their control with/without main system, and improvement their
efficiency in regarding new methods and manufacturing.
PV modules operate in very low efficiency and they able convert
solar energy into electricity approximately 18e23%. Additionally,
their efficiency is highly affected by environmental factors. Effi-
ciency of a PV module depends on temperature and mostly irra-
diance level. Irradiance level of PV module is great extended by
angle of sunshine and shadings from birds, trees, buildings, clouds
and dusts etc. For this reason, in order to gain maximum efficiency
from PV system there are developed some method in changing
environmental condition such as sun trackers and maximum point
trackers.
Working point a PV module in producing maximum power is
called as MPP (maximum power point). When there is a change in
E-mail addresses: ksparlak@gmail.com, kparlak@firat.edu.tr.
shading, MPP of PV module is changing also and this point must be
redefined. In order to do this, MPPT (MPP tracker) devices are used
between the PV array and the load and ensure that the PV system
operates at MPP. The MPPT device is basically a dcedc converter
and it works a particular algorithm with adjusting the duty cycle to
track MPP.
There are several MPPT methods in literature. The early reported
ones uses the open circuit voltage and short circuit current methods
[1,2]. The methods based on that the MPP is approximately 80e90%
of the open circuit voltage (Voc) or the short circuit current of the
panel. Implementations of these methods are very easy but they
can’t work under partially shaded conditions because of the MPP
point vary with irradiance level and temperature. P&O (Perturba-
tion and Observation) and IC (Incremental Conductance) are best
known and widely used MPPT methods [3e7]. In the P&O method,
operating point of the module to make changing continuously and
the MPP is located by comparing the power and voltage information
of the PV module to previous values. In the IC method, operation
point of module is determined which side of MPP by derivation of
power to voltage and then, this point towards to MPP via tuning
duty cycle. Both methods are working effectively under uniform
irradiance because of only one MPP formed in this condition.
However, in order to occur multiple local maxima under partially

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
0360-5442/Ó 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
2 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12
shading condition these methods can fail to identify which one is
GMPP (global MPP). To reduce partial shade effect on PV array, more
than one MPPT is used each PV panel or string of array [8e10]. P&O
or IC based these MPPTs, can operate at MPP where it connected
part of array. In another study, dcedc bidirectional Cuk converters
are used instead of bypass diodes and used main converter for P&O
based MPPT [11]. An expected disadvantage of the method is the
need for many MPPT devices. Another MPPT method includes two
level adaptive control processes. Although these methods enhance
the efficiency of system by decreasing ripples with controlling
convertor, it is not used in partially shading conditions [12].
There are some MPPT methods which used heuristic algorithms
are reported and they can work in partial shading condition. PSO
(particle swarm optimization) method need to some knowledge of
system such as cell number, irradiance and temperature [13].
Another PSO algorithm and ant colony optimization based MPPT
method divide PV array into such submodules and use dcedc
convertor each submodule [14,15]. The MPPT methods that are
using artificial neural network and Genetic Algorithm can working
under partially shading condition but these methods require serial
module number and Voc of array [16e18]. Recently, several works
are carried out to employ FLC (fuzzy logic control) for MPPT [19].
Although FLC MPP tracking is effective, it requires extensive pro-
cesses which include fuzzification, rule base storage, inference
mechanism, and defuzzification operations and some system
knowledge (Isc and Voc) [20]. Consequently, compromise has to be
made between tracking speed and computational cost.
In some developed MPPT methods, while the operating point of PV
array is changing the current and voltage values are stored and GMPP
is determined with using stored data [21,22]. These methods use P&O
method and successively locate the GMPP under partially shaded
conditions. However, the methods take long computational time.
Another developed MPPT method uses the association between
all MPPs and the corresponding voltage values [23]. P&O based this
method require Voc and the numbers of series panels of array. In
another study, the MPP in the reference voltage area obtained from
an equation solved by using the Voc, the Isc, the number of parallel
submodules and the number of panels in the strings is shown as
GMPP [24]. The drawbacks of these methods are need to the PV
panel catalog values and/or the knowledge of their connection
configuration. Therefore they are not really applicable for any
operation condition.
This study proposes a new MPPT method to locate the GMPP of the
array under partially shaded conditions. A capacitor connected to the
output of the PV array and obtains the current and voltage data of the
array while it charging time. Then, the GMPP and the corresponding
voltage value at this point are determined with the proposed
algorithm. This voltage is used as the reference voltage information
by the algorithm, and the PV array is operated at this voltage point.
The scientific contributions of proposed MPPT method are given as

The method can work independently from panel parameters
and datasheet values. Additionally it doesn’t require of array
configuration data. Thus, PV modules with different character-
istics and power ratings can be used together in array.

The proposed MPPT method has low hardware requirement,
and it needs no complex algorithm.

The method can find array’s GMPP highly accurate in any irra-
diance level and under partial shade conditions.

The algorithm of proposed method runs quite fast and it causes
to locate the GMPP under rapidly changing environmental
conditions.
The validity of the proposed method firstly has been performed
in the Matlab-Simulink environment by creating different partial
Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
shade conditions on the PV array consisting of serially connected
3 PV panel. Then, the method has been tested by FPGA controlled
experiment system under different shade conditions.
_
2. SIMUL _
INK model of the PV panel
To simulate a PV panel, a panel model based on the equivalent
circuit of a PV cell was developed. Therefore, the PV panel model is
explained first. Then, a PV string simulation shown under partially
shaded conditions is described using the developed PV panel model.
2.1. PV panel model
PV panels are a network of cells, which are the most basic units
to obtain electrical energy. These cells may have different parallel/
series configurations, and the output current and voltage of the
panel depend on this configuration. The most accurate panel model
used in the literature consists of dual diodes [25,26]. Because this
model has six parameters, the solution requires more complex
equations. Therefore, the single diode model known also as the
five-parameter model (Rs, Rp, Ipv, Io, A) has been preferred in the
developed PV panel model. The equivalent circuit of the single
diode PV cell is shown in Fig. 1.
Equation (1) shows the output currentevoltage characteristic of
an ideal PV cell in a single diode model.
   
V þ Rs I V þ Rs I
I ¼ Ipv  I0 exp 1  (1)
Vt A Rp
To obtain the single diode model mentioned above, five param-
eters must be determined. The Rs and Rp values in the model are
series and parallel resistors in the equivalent circuit, respectively,
and these parameters vary depending directly on the microstruc-
ture of the photovoltaic cell. Several studies in the literature describe
ways of obtaining these values [27]. However, a detailed account of
the computation of these values is beyond the scope of this study.
The photoelectrical current (Ipv) in the model depends on the
radiation that falls on the photovoltaic cell and the temperature.
However, the change in the diode saturation current (Io) is
dependent solely on the temperature. As a result, the model is
completed with Equations (2) and (3) below.
G
Ipv ¼ ðIscn þ Ki ðT  Tn ÞÞ (2)
Gn
Isc þ Ki ðT  Tn Þ
Io ¼ Vocn þKv ðTTn Þ
(3)
1
e AVt
Here, Iscn, is the short circuit current at standard test conditions
(Gn ¼ 1000 W/m2, Tn ¼ 25  C) and air mass (AM ¼ 1.5). T and Tn
represent the real and nominal temperatures of the cell, respec-
tively; and G and Gn are the real and nominal radiation levels,
I
Rs
Id
Ipv D Rp V
Fig. 1. Equivalent circuit of a photovoltaic cell.
 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12 3

3
Current (A)

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70

100

80
Power (W)

60

40

20 Local GM PP Local
MPP MPP
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Fig. 4. Obtaining the IeV and PeV curves by using a capacitor.
Voltage (V)

Fig. 2. IeV and PeV characteristics of the PV array in partial shade conditions. To explain better this situation, the IeV and PeV characteristics
under partially shaded conditions on serially connected 3 PV panels
have been investigated in the simulation. In the string, each PV
respectively. Ki is the temperature coefficient of the short circuit
panel has equivalent characteristics; the open circuit voltage is
current, and Kv is that of the open circuit voltage.
Voc ¼ 22 V, the short circuit current is Isc ¼ 3.85 A, and the power
Vt, given in Equation (1), is the thermal junction constant and is
rating is 55 W. Three different irradiation-temperatures values have
equal to the kT/q value. Here, k is the Boltzmann constant
been applied to the PV panels. These are 400 W/m2 e 40 in Panel-
(1.38*1023 J/ K), and q is the electron load (1.602*1019 c).
1; 700 W/m2 e 55 in Panel-2; and 1000 W/m2 e 70 in Panel-3. In
The final parameter used in the model is the diode ideality
addition, each PV panel in the array has bypass diodes. In Fig. 2, the
constant (A), whose value varies between 1 and 2 depending on the
IeV and PeV curves of the PV array in partially shaded conditions
type of the PV panel. The equations given above are valid for one
are given. As seen clearly in the PeV curve, there exist three MPPs.
single cell. These equations vary depending on the number of series
Two of these are local maxima, and one is the real MPP or GMPP.
and parallel cells used in the panel model [28].
The task of MPPT locates the Global MPP among the several
The simulation of the PV panel was built using these equations.
MPPs formed under partially shaded conditions and is to operate
In this model, the irradiation level (G e W/m2) and temperature
the PV array at this point. Therefore the MPPT algorithm has to
(T-degrees) values can be input separately, and thus the simulations
continuously redefine the GMPP every changing environmental
are very flexible.
condition. In more powerful PV arrays, the efficiency of system can
It is expected from PV panel model is to obtain partial shading
be significantly increased with well working MPPT devices that can
condition and to response to convertor reaction. Therefore the model
operate the system at the GMPP.
is established with some neglects such as Rs variation and avalanche
effect. These effects are important in point of high accurate cell/panel
model nevertheless the model is sufficient to prove MPPT method. 3. Definition of the proposed method

This study proposes a new MPPT method to identify the GMPP

2.2. IeV and PeV characteristics of a PV string under partially
(global MPP) of the array by using the data on the PeV curve ob-
shaded conditions
tained by using a capacitor and to ensure that it operates at this

In order to get more power from PV array, PV panels are con-

nected serial/parallel. Since the number of panels increases so does
the surface of the array. Hence, possibility of partial shade on the
surface of array is increased and in this situation, more than one
MPP is formed and they are called as “local maxima”.

Fig. 5. IeV and PeV curves of the PV panel at different irradiance levels while constant
Fig. 3. Circuit model of the proposed method. temperature value (T ¼ 70  C).

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
4 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12

4 voltage values on the IeV curve of the PV panel are the data sensed
during the transition of the panel from the short circuit position to
3
open circuit. To provide this transition, the load fed by the panel
Current (A)

2 must be changed from a minimal resistance (w0 U) to a very high

resistance (wN U). The current and voltage values of the PV system
1 can be measured during this transition, and the IeV and PeV curves
can be obtained.
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 There are several methods to obtain IeV and PeV curves as
explained above. Commonly used methods are the connection of
60 the rheostat and electronic load at the output of the PV array [29].
70 degree
In the both of these methods, by changing the load resistance of PV
50 degree
module as mentioned, these curves can be found.
Power (W)

40 30 degree
The other method used in the study is to connect a capacitor at
20 the output of the PV module. As very well known, in the charge
period of a capacitor, it resistance is to vary in the interval of 0 to N.
Thus, the IeV and PeV curves can be obtained by measuring the
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 output current and the voltage values of the PV array within this
Voltage (V) charging time. The equation (4) gives the charging time of the panel
Fig. 6. IeV and PeV curves of the PV panel at different temperature values while
or the array of the capacitor depending on the short circuit current
constant irradiance level (G ¼ 1000 W/m2). (Isc) and open circuit voltage (Voc) values [29]:

point. In the proposed method, the PeV curve of the array can be
obtained according to the currently environmental conditions and
its global MPP can be found. Fig. 3 shows the circuit schema of the
method. The PV array, which is formed by serially connected 3 PV
panels, is investigated in the simulation in the following section.
In the proposed method, the switch S2 is used to connect the
capacitor “C” to PV array and the switch S3 is used to discharge it
over the resistance “R” for obtaining the PeV curve next time. Thus,
every time the environmental conditions change, the capacitor is
recharged, and the current and voltage values are sensed for this
condition. When S2 is in the “closed” position, the switch S1 is
brought open to separate the converter from the PV array, which
then feeds the capacitor only. In this way, the PeV curve of the array
is obtained during charging capacitor according to the exact envi-
ronmental conditions at a given time. Because the capacitor is
charged in milliseconds and the MPPT algorithm does not require
complex calculations, the load is left without power for a negligible
time. This time and dynamic response will be explained in simu-
lation results section.
3.1. Obtaining IeV and PeV curves
In order to get IeV and PeV curves of the PV panel, the output
current and the voltage values are needed. The current and the
Voc
ts ¼ 2C (4)
Isc
Fig. 4 shows the connection diagram to obtain the IeV and PeV
curves by using a capacitor in the Matlab-Simulink environmental.
As the mentioned above, a capacitor is connected to output of PV
panel and current and voltage values are obtained for make to plot
IeV and PeV curves in charge period. A PV panel model is estab-
lished according to Section 2.1. Here, G and T correspond to the
irradiation (W/m2), which falls on the panel and the panel surface
temperature ( C), respectively. These parameters are used in the PV
panel model.
Fig. 5 shows the IeV and PeV curves for the PV panel model, at
different irradiation levels while the temperature value remains
constant at 70 . Fig. 6 shows the same curves at different temper-
ature values with a constant irradiance level of 1000 W/m2.
It is well known that changes of the irradiance level and tem-
perature affect to the PV panel characteristics. These effects are
clearly shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Decreasing the irradiance level re-
duces the short circuit current (Isc) and the maximum power value.
The decreasing temperature increases the open circuit voltage
(Voc).
An experiment has been performed to obtain the PV panel
characteristics by using a capacitor. In this experiment, a capacitor
has been connected to the output of panel, and the current, the
voltage and the power have been monitored on an oscilloscope. In

Fig. 7. Current (blue), voltage (yellow) and power (red) curves of the PV panel while a capacitor is connected to the end of the panel (a) uniform irradiance and (b) partial shade
conditions. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12 5

and the instantaneous current and voltage data of the PV array are
measured. These data are sensed by the controller to calculate the
instantaneous power. The instantaneous power values obtained
while the capacitor is charged are compared with each other, and
the Pmax value and its corresponding V-GMPP are determined. This
process is performed as long as the capacitor is being charged. Due
to the current drawn by the capacitor will decrease during charged,
the algorithm decisions the end of the charge process by using the
current, and it terminates the comparison when it nears 0. (In the
algorithm, the termination is executed when the capacitor current
is below 0.1 A). The determined V-GMPP value will also be used in
the Stage-2 as the reference voltage (Vref) of the MPPT or PV array.
Thus at the end of the Stage-1, the PeV curve and voltage value of
GMPP are obtained according to the environmental conditions at a
given time.
Stage-2: The purpose of this stage is to adjust the duty cycle of
the dcedc converter to operate the PV array at the Vref (V-GMPP)
that is obtained in Stage-1. For this, S2 is turned off, and S1 and S3
are turned on. So the converter is reconnected to array and load is
repowered and the capacitor is discharged over the resistance R so
that it will be ready to restart Stage-1. The controller produces the
necessary PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals to operate the PV
array at the GMPP by comparing the Vref value and instantaneous
output voltage of the array.
The flowchart of the proposed control algorithm is shown in
Fig. 8. In the chart, D and dx represent the duty cycle and how much
D is changed respectively [30].

4. Simulation results

In this section, the proposed MPPT algorithm has been simu-

lated with the 3 serially connected PV panel shown in Fig. 3. In the
simulation, single-diode and 5-parameter PV panel model is used.
In this model, irradiation (W/m2) and temperature (degree) values
can be input separately, which brings great flexibility to simula-
tions. The panels in the string have been exposed to different
irradiation levels changing every 0.2 s throughout the 1 s simula-
Fig. 8. Flowchart of the proposed MPPT algorithm.
tion, as shown in Table 1. The table also shows that both uniform
irradiation and partial shade conditions have been performed on
Fig. 7(a), the PV panel was exposed to uniform irradiance. In the PV panel. The electrical characteristics of utilized PV panel are
Fig. 7(b), the panel has been under partial shade conditions. As seen given in Table 2.
in the figure clearly, the maximum power decreased, and power The parameters of the boost type dcedc converter have been
curve have two maximum points. chosen such that it operated in CCM (Continuously Conducting
Mode) mode. These parameters as follows:
3.2. MPPT control algorithm Table 1
Irradiation of panels.
The algorithm of proposed MPPT method consists of two stages.
Case PV-I PV-II PV-III
In stages-1, the PeV curve of array is obtained by sensing current
and voltage data during connecting capacitor to array and deter- Case e I 1000 W/m2 1000 W/m2 1000 W/m2
(0e0.2 s) 70 70 70
mined GMPP and corresponding voltage value (V-GMPP). In stage-
Case e II 1000 W/m2 1000 W/m2 500 W/m2
2, the converter is controlled by tuning duty cycle to operate the PV (0.2e0.4 s) 70 70 45
array at V-GMPP. The details of these stages are given as follows. Case e III 1000 W/m2 600 W/m2 300 W/m2
Stage-1: Assumed that the PV array was initially operating at the (0.4e0.6 s) 60 50 35
Case e IV 1000 W/m2 1000 W/m2 700 W/m2
GMPP and the power at this point taken as Pmax and the voltage as
(0.6e0.8 s) 70 70 55
V-GMPP. When there is a change in irradiance level or environ- Case e V 1000 W/m2 1000 W/m2 1000 W/m2
mental conditions on PV array, it’s output power will also change (0.8e1 s) 70 70 70
and a difference (DP) will occur between the Pmax and instanta-
neous power (actual power-Pact). Considering that tiny fluctua- Table 2
tions in signals will also cause this difference, the control algorithm LA 55 PV panel electrical data.
starts to run the new cycle of MPPT algorithm when DP exceeds a Peak power Pmax [Wp] 55
certain value (ε). The Pmax is turned to zero to prevent this value in Max. power current Imp [A] 3.3
the previous cycle of the algorithm from affecting its value in the Max. power voltage Vmp [V] 16.8
new cycle. S1 and S3 switches are brought to the “open”, S2 to Short circuit current Isc [A] 3.85
Open circuit voltage Voc [V] 22.1
“closed” position. Then the capacitor “C” is connected to PV array,

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
6 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12

180 case I - V

160

140 case IV

120 case II
Power (W)

100

case III
80

60

40

20

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Voltage (V)

Fig. 9. PeV curve of the array at different irradiations.

Boost converter and load parameters: L_dc ¼ 5 mH,
C_dc ¼ 80 uF, fs ¼ 10 Khz, Load ¼ 50 U.
MPPT control algorithm parameters: dx ¼ 0.00005, ε ¼ 15 W [%
10 of Pmax (array)].
The PeV curve of the array according to the changes in irradi-
ation in Table 1 is given in Fig. 9. Case I and case V have one MPP
because they have a uniform irradiation distribution. Case II and
case IV have two MPPs while case IV has three. Naturally, cases II, III,
IV represent partially shaded conditions.
The results of the proposed MPPT method are given in Fig. 10
and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 shows S2 signal shows connection period of
the capacitor to the PV array. As mentioned previously, this signal is
generated by the controller when there is a change in the irradiance
level (Stage-1 in control algorithm). Pmax is found in Stage-1 of
algorithm, and P-Array shows the output power of the PV array
system.
Fig. 11 depicts the V-GMPP values that were found in Stage-1
and the array voltage changes in each case. The change in the
duty cycle needed to operate the PV string at V-GMPP is also shown
in Fig. 11. As explained in the previous section, the duty cycle is
determined in Stage-2 of the algorithm.
Because cases-I and case-V have similar irradiation, their GMPP
values are also the same; both are 164 W, and the voltage value that
corresponds to this power is 49.5 V. The case-II Pmax is 108 W, and
V-GMPP is 33 V. Because case-III has the lowest irradiation, the
array produced the least power, Pmax is 70 W, and V-GMPP is 36 V.
Fig. 11. Voltage value of GMPP, array voltage and duty curves.
In case-IV, Pmax is 124 W, and V-GMPP is 55 V. As shown in Figs. 10
and 11, the array voltage and power can track the GMPP point in
each case.
As the figures show, the power at the maximum point of the
array depends on the irradiation. In this case, the proposed MPPT
algorithm gives the power and voltage values at GMPP. It is note-
worthy that the proposed algorithm can locate the GMPP among
the several MPPs formed by the partial shade conditions. The
simulation has shown that the proposed MPPT method can locate
the GMPP of the array and operate the system at this point under
any irradiation condition.
Fig. 12 depicts dynamic response of the system when case-II
occurs. As shown in the figure, when changing in irradiance level
at instances 0.2 s, the controller brings S2 switch to “1” and the
capacitor is connected to PV array, then the array power is obtained
by measuring current and voltage of the capacitor. As seen in the
figure, this curve is similar to “case-2” in Fig. 10. As mentioned
above, MPPT controller tracks to maximum value of array power
(P-Array) during S2 switch in “1” position, and maximum power
value is defined as power component value of GMPP (Pmax). At the
same time, controller defines the voltage value corresponding to
Pmax, as voltage of GMPP (V-GMPP). When capacitor is charged, S2
is brought to “0” position and, V-GMPP is assigned as reference
voltage of converter. Hence, array voltage traces the reference as
seen in Fig. 12.

Fig. 10. S2 signal, power value of GMPP and array power curves. Fig. 12. Dynamic response of MPPT controller for case-II.

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12 7

Fig. 13. Quartus environment of the control algorithm.

Fig. 14. Experimental system; a) Circuits b) Overview.

This figure also shows processing time of MPPT algorithm.
Scanning of GMPP continues while S2 is at position “1” and for
case-II, which takes around 3.5 ms. In the proposed method, this
time depends on capacitor value, short circuit current, and open
circuit voltage. Hence, it varies with environmental conditions in
accordance with equation-1. For this simulation, this time takes
maximum 5 ms for case-III since the array has minimum irradiance
or power level. Consequently the computation of GMPP is realized
in a very short while, compared to other MPPT methods [21,23]. In
Fig. 15. Experimental system with electronic load device.
the proposed method, load is disconnected from the array in this
period, but it is negligible due to mentioning short time.
5. Experimental results
In this section, the proposed MPPT method is implemented in
experiments. Developed experimental system consists of four main
circuits which are FPGA, ADC, dcedc converter and switches con-
trol circuit.
The whole experimental system is controlled by FPGA (Cyclone
III - EP3C120F780C7) control board. The control algorithm is
developed by Quartus II environment and it consists of some con-
trol blocks; for both current and voltage inputs ADC control,
multiplication, fix to floating point converter blocks are used.
Additionally MPPT algorithm consists of switching control (for S1,
S2 and S3 switches), MPP finding (Stage-1), voltage comparing and
PWM generator (Stage-2) blocks. All of these control blocks are
coded by VHDL programming language. The Quartus schema of the
control algorithm is given in Fig. 13.
ADC circuit, MAX1204 ADC IC, converts the output current and
voltage of PV array to digital signals, and transports them to FPGA in
SPI (serial to parallel interface) protocol. Boost type dcedc con-
verter is used in the experimental system. The converter parame-
ters are chosen to operate in CCM mode. Switch control circuit
includes of S1, S2, S3 switches, their drivers, charge capacitor (C),
discharge resistor (R), as shown in Fig. 3. Moreover, this circuit
scales the current and voltage to adapt them to ADC. The experi-
mental system is shown in Fig. 14.

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
8 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12

Fig. 16. (a) PV panels. (b) Connection structure of cells in the PV panel.

Table 3
STP and electronic load values.

P_MAX (W) V_GMPP (V) V [array voltage e (V)] Duty

STP (HEX) 431A3D71 4244EB85 42483333 e

STP (DEC) 154.24 49.23 50.05 %41.1
Electronic Load 151 50.94

Fig. 17. Panels shading condition. The experiments are implemented on three serially connected
PV panels and under different partially shading conditions. The
results are presented as follows: Initially, IeV and PeV curves of PV
array are obtained by electronic load device under formed partially
shading conditions. In this process, the power and voltage
component values belong to GMPP are determined by “Agilent Vee”
software packet. The electronic load device is shown in Fig. 15.
Then, the proposed method is performed under the same
environmental conditions. In this process, experimental results are
displayed on the Signal Tap Analyzer (STP) interface of the FPGA
software packet. There are steady state values on the STP, which are
P_MAX (power component value of GMPP in HEX code), V_GMPP
(voltage component value of GMPP in HEX code), S1, S2, S3, V
(actual voltage of PV array) and duty (duty cycle of converter). At
the same time, output voltage of PV array and switching signal of
convertor are monitored on oscilloscope.
In the experiments Lorentz 55W PV panels are used. The pa-
rameters utilized in experiment system and panel parameters are:
L_dc ¼ 3 mH, C_dc ¼ 80 mF, fs ¼ 20 kHz, R_load ¼ 50 U (con-
verter parameters), C ¼ 1000 mF e 100 V, R ¼ 80 U.
AM ¼ 1.5, E ¼ 1000 W/m2, cell temperature: 25  C.
Fig. 18. IeV and PeV curves obtained by electronic load device.

Fig. 19. STP screen in steady state.

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12 9

Table 4
STP and electronic load values.

P_MAX (W) V_GMPP (V) V [array voltage e (V)] Duty

STP (HEX) 42EE147B 42555C29 4257EB85 e

STP (DEC) 119.04 53.34 53.98 %24.8
Electronic load 116.6 54.7

Fig. 20. Array voltage and switching signal on oscilloscope screen.

Fig. 24. Array voltage and switching signal on oscilloscope screen.

Fig. 21. Panels shading condition.

PV panels used in experiments are shown in Fig. 16(a). Each PV

panel has parallel connected 2 strings and each string consist of
36 cells connected in series. Connection structure of cells and
bypass diodes in the PV panel is given in Fig. 16(b).

5.1. Exp.-1

This experiment is performed under uniform irradiance condi-

Fig. 22. IeV and PeV curves obtained by electronic load device.
tion as shown in Fig. 17. In this situation the obtained IeV and PeV
curves of array by electronic load device is shown in Fig. 18. Here,
the GMPP values are 151 W and 50.94 V.
In the same environmental condition, the proposed method is
running on FPGA controller and some of steady state values are dis-
played on STP interface packet as shown in Fig. 19. Here, S1eS2eS3
switches are brought to 1-0-1 positions. P_MAX, V_GMPP, V and duty
values which are on STP screen are tabulated in Table 3
As seen in Table 3, the results which are obtained from proposed
methods match to results of electronic load device. Additionally,
output voltage curve of array and switching signal are shown in
Fig. 20 (Notice that scale of the voltage probe is 10). It can be seen
from figure that the voltage is around in 51 V.

Fig. 23. STP screen in steady state.

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
10 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12

Table 5
STP and electronic load values.

P_MAX (W) V_GMPP (V) V [array voltage e (V)] Duty

STP (HEX) 42A46148 42023333 420428F6 e

STP (DEC) 82.19 32.55 33.04 %52,4
Electronic load 79.97 33.86
Fig. 25. Panels shading condition.

3
Current (A)

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

100 X: 33.73
Y: 79.97
80
Power (W)

60

40

20
Fig. 28. Array voltage and switching signal on oscilloscope screen.
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Voltage (V)

Fig. 26. IeV and PeV curves obtained by electronic load device.
5.2. Exp.-2
This experiment is realized that one division of each of two
panels is closed as shown in Fig. 21 and creating partial shade
condition. Fig. 22 shows IeV and PeV curves which are obtained by
electronic load device and two MPPs occur on PeV curve.
Fig. 23 shows STP screen which displays steady state results of
the system. As seen from P-MAX and V_GMPP values, the algorithm
determines GMPP of PV array.
Table 4 consists of STP and electronic load device results, and
Fig. 24 depicts actual voltage of PV array and switching signal.
5.3. Exp.-3
This experiment is performed under partial shade condition as
shown in Fig. 25. In this case, two MPP occurs on PeV curve. The Ie
V and PeV curves are shown Fig. 26.
In this partial shade condition, STP screen includes GMPP values
which are found by MPPT algorithm, V and duty parameters are
shown in Fig. 27.
STP and electronic load device results are given in Table 5. Actual
voltage of array and switching signal are given in Fig. 28.
5.4. Exp.-4
In this experiment, each PV panel has different irradiance level
as shown in Fig. 29. There are three local maximum points on PeV
curve of array under this condition. GMPP have 65.09 We35.75 V
power and voltage values respectively. Obtained PV array charac-
teristics are displayed in Fig. 30.
The FPGA controller locates the GMPP and its power and voltage
values among all MPP in HEX code format as shown in Fig. 31. Then
it tunes up duty to operate PV array at GMPP.
As seen in Table 6. P_MAX and V_GMPP which are found by the
MPPT algorithm are almost the same electronic load device find-
ings. Fig. 32 shows array voltage and switching signal of converter
on oscilloscope screen.

Fig. 27. STP screen in steady state.

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12 11

Table 6
STP and electronic load values.

P_MAX (W) V_GMPP (V) V [array voltage e (V)] Duty

STP (HEX) 42863D71 420AA3D7 420C28F6 e

STP (DEC) 67.12 34.66 35.04 %42.7
Electronic load 65.09 35.75
Fig. 29. Panels shading condition.

3
Current (A)

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

X: 35.75
80
Y: 65.09

60
Power (W)

40

20

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Voltage (V) Fig. 32. Array voltage and switching signal on oscilloscope screen.

Fig. 30. IeV and PeV curves obtained by electronic load device.

As seen from the experimental results, the proposed MPPT al-
gorithm can find accurately GMPP of PV array under uniform and
different partially shade conditions. These findings are verified
with obtained data from electronic load device. Then FPGA based
MPPT controller operates the system at voltage of GMPP by tuning
duty cycle of converter’s switching signal.
6. Conclusion and future works
This study offers a novel Global MPPT method operating under
partially shaded conditions. In the proposed method, a capacitor is
connected to the array as a load, and, its current and voltage pa-
rameters are sensing while charging from PV array. The controller
obtain PeV curve using these parameters according to the envi-
ronmental conditions affecting the array at that time. The MPPT
algorithm presented here locates the GMPP by using the data on
the curve and then ensures that the system works at this point by
adjusting the duty cycle of the boost type dcedc convertor.
The proposed method has been simulated in Matlab-Simulink
under uniform and partial shade conditions on the PV array sys-
tem. The proposed method has been verified experimentally also.
The experiments have been performed both uniform irradiance and
creating partial shade conditions on PV array. FPGA controlled
MPPT algorithm locates GMPP and operates the PV system at this
point. Major advantages of the method are ability to find GMPP in
partial shading condition, avoid needing multiple MPPT devices,
very short computation time, not requiring datasheet values and
array configuration data, as well as allowing different type and
power rating PV panels together in array.
As a next step, challenges of application for the proposed MPPT
method will be investigated since there may occur some technical
difficulties in widely varying irradiance level and for large scale
system. With this aim, the proposed method will be extended to
the one connecting different capacitors to PV array by using
capacitor bank, and connecting more than one capacitor to certain
parts of array for large powered system.

Fig. 31. STP screen in steady state.

Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
12 K.S. Parlak / Energy xxx (2014) 1e12
Acknowledgment
This study has been supported by The Scientific and Technical
_
Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK-111E076).
References
[1] Lei M, Yaojie S, Yandan L, Zhifeng B, Liqin T, Jieqiong S. A high performance
MPPT control method. In: IEEE Conference on Materials for Renewable Energy
& Environment, vol. 1; 2011. pp. 195e9.
[2] Dorofte C, Borup U, Blaabjerg F. A combined two-method MPPT control
scheme for grid-connected photovoltaic systems. In: IEEE European Confer-
ence on Power Electronics Application, vol. 1; 2005. pp. 1e10.
[3] Houssamo I, Locment F, Sechilariu M. Maximum power tracking for photo-
voltaic power system: development and experimental comparison of two
algorithms. Renew Energy 2010;35(10):2381e7.
[4] Femia N, Petrone G, Spagnuolo G, Vitelli M. Optimization of perturb and
observe maximum power point tracking method. IEEE T Power Electr
2005;20(4):963e73.
[5] Tafticht T, Agbossou K, Doumbia ML, Chériti A. An improved maximum power
point tracking method for photovoltaic systems. Renew Energy 2008;33(7):
1508e16.
[6] Kakosimos PE, Kladas AG. Implementation of photovoltaic array MPPT
through fixed step predictive control technique. Renew Energy 2011;36(9):
2508e14.
[7] Lalilia D, Mellita A, Lourcia N, Medjaheda B, Berkoukb EM. Input output
feedback linearization control and variable step size MPPT algorithm of a grid-
connected photovoltaic inverter. Renew Energy 2011;36(12):3282e91.
[8] Enrique JM, Andújar JM, Bohórquez MA. A reliable, fast and low cost
maximum power point tracker for photovoltaic applications. Sol Energy
2010;84(1):79e89.
[9] Tsao P, Sarhan S, Jorio I. Distributed max power point tracking for photovoltaic
arrays. In: IEEE 34th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), vol. 1; 2009.
pp. 2293e8.
[10] Xiao W, Ozog N, Dunford WG. Topology study of photovoltaic interface for
maximum power point tracking. IEEE T Ind Electron 2007;54(3):1696e704.
[11] Chong BVP, Zhang L. Controller design for integrated PV-converter modules
under partial shading conditions. Sol Energy 2013;92:123e38.
[12] Khanna R, Zhang Q, Stanchina WE, Reed GF, Mao ZH. Maximum power point
tracking using model reference adaptive control. IEEE T Power Electr
2014;29(3):1490e9.
[13] Miyatake M, Veerachary M, Toriumi F, Fujii N, Ko H. Maximum power point
tracking of multiple photovoltaic arrays: a PSO approach. IEEE T Aero Elec Sys
2011;47(1):367e80.
[14] Sarvi M, Ahmadi S, Abdi S. A PSO-based maximum power point tracking for
photovoltaic systems under environmental and partially shaded conditions.
Prog Photovoltaics 2014;1:1e14.
Please cite this article in press as: Parlak KS, FPGA based new MPPT (maximum power point tracking) method for PV (photovoltaic) array system
operating partially shaded conditions, Energy (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.027
[15] Jiang LL, Maskell DL, Patra JC. A novel ant colony optimization-based
maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic systems under partially
shaded conditions. Energ Build 2013;58:227e36.
[16] Chaouachi A, Kamel RM, Nagasaka K. A novel multi-model neuro-fuzzy-based
MPPT for three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic system. Sol Energy
2010;84(12):2219e29.
[17] Punitha K, Devaraj D, Sakthivel S. Artificial neural network based modified
incremental conductance algorithm for maximum power point tracking in
photovoltaic system under partial shading conditions. Energy 2013;62:
330e40.
[18] Shaiek Y, Ben Smida M, Sakly A, Mimouni MF. Comparison between con-
ventional methods and GA approach for maximum power point tracking of
shaded solar PV generators. Sol Energy 2013;90:107e22.
[19] Alajmi BN, Ahmed KH, Finney SJ, Williams BW. A maximum power point
tracking technique for partially shaded photovoltaic systems in microgrids.
IEEE T Ind Electron 2013;60(4):1596e606.
[20] Gounden NA, Peter SA, Nallandula H, Krithiga S. Fuzzy logic controller with
MPPT using line-commutated inverter for three-phase grid-connected
photovoltaic systems. Renew Energy 2009;34(3):909e15.
[21] Koutroulis E, Blaabjerg F. A new technique for tracking the global maximum
power point of PV arrays operating under partial-shading conditions. IEEE J
Photovoltaics 2012;2(2):184e90.
[22] Chin CS, Neelakantan P, Yoong HP, Yang SS, Teo KTK. Maximum power point
tracking for PV array under partially shaded conditions. In: IEEE Third Inter-
national Conference on Computational Intelligence, Communication Systems
and Networks, vol. 1; 2011. pp. 72e7.
[23] Patel H, Agarwal V. Maximum power point tracking scheme for PV systems
operating under partially shaded conditions. IEEE T Ind Electron 2008;55(4):
1689e98.
[24] Ji YH, Jung DY, Kim JG, Kim JH, Lee TW, Won CY. A real maximum power Point
tracking method for mismatching compensation in PV array under partially
shaded conditions. IEEE T Power Electr 2011;26(4):1001e9.
[25] Adamo F, Attivissimo F, Spadavecchia M. A tool for photovoltaic panels
modeling and testing. In: IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology
Conference, vol. 1; 2010. pp. 1463e6.
[26] Gow JA, Manning CD. Development of a photovoltaic array model for use in
power-electronics simulation studies. IET Electr Power App 1999;146(2):
193e200.
[27] Sera D, Teodorescu R, Rodriguez P. PV panel model based on datasheet val-
uesIn Proc. IEEE International Symposium Industrial Electronics (ISIE), vol. 1;
2007. pp. 2392e6.
[28] Chenni R, Makhlouf M, Kerbache T, Chenni AB. A detailed modeling method
for photovoltaic cells. Energy 2007;32(9):1724e30.
[29] Mahmoud MM. Transient analysis of a PV power generator charging a
capacitor for measurement of the IeV characteristics. Renew Energy 2006;31:
2198e206.
[30] Parlak KŞ, Can H. A new MPPT method for PV array system under partially
shaded conditions. In: 3rd IEEE International Symposium on Power Elec-
tronics for Distributed Generation Systems (PEDG), vol. 1; 2012. pp. 437e41.