GREEN ENERGY SOLUTIONS: SIMULINK-DRIVEN MPPT ALGORITHM DEVELOPMENT FOR ARDUINO HARDWARE

Abstract

The transition away from fossil-gasoline-based power generation towards sustainable and renewable energy sources has been driven by concerns about the environmental impact and long-term viability of traditional power generation methods. Among the various renewable energy sources, solar photovoltaic (PV) power has emerged as a prominent player in the energy sector due to its consistent growth and increasing contribution to the overall energy mix. To enhance the efficiency of solar PV systems, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques have been employed, allowing these systems to optimize energy production under varying solar irradiation and temperature conditions.

This paper presents an investigation into the Perturbation and Observation (P&O) MPPT method, which is based on the derivative of the power-voltage characteristic of the PV modules. By modifying the signal of the power converter PWM controller, the MPPT algorithm can be implemented using a control unit microcontroller or DSP device. The iterative nature of the P&O MPPT approach enables it to approach the Maximum Power Point (MPP) with high precision, leading to improved overall system efficiency.

In this study, we propose a PV model for designing PV systems with a basic MPPT approach, aiming to achieve low-cost design, better performance, and high efficiency. To validate the proposed solution, an experimental platform is constructed using an Arduino Uno board, featuring a low-cost ATMega328 microprocessor. Through rigorous verification and validation processes, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller, showcasing significant cost savings and financial competitiveness.

The experimental results reveal that the implemented P&O MPPT algorithm successfully achieves enhanced energy extraction from solar PV systems, particularly under fluctuating environmental conditions. The overall system efficiency and performance are improved, contributing to the increased adoption of solar PV power as a viable renewable energy solution. The findings from this research pave the way for broader integration of solar PV systems into public networks, further reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuel-based power generation and advancing sustainable energy practices.