J Electr Eng Technol Vol. 9, No. ?: 742-?

, 2014 ISSN(Print) 1975-0102

http://dx.doi.org/10.5370/JEET.2014.9.?.742 ISSN(Online) 2093-7423

Design and Analysis of SEPIC Converter Based MPPT

for Solar PV Module with CPWM

Maglin J.R*, Ramesh.R† and Vaigundamoorthi.M**

Abstract - The main objective of this paper is to design DC-DC MPPT circuit using chaotic pulse
width modulation to track maximum power from solar PV module for space application. The direct
control method of tracking is used to extract maximum power. The nominal duty cycle of the main
switch of DC-DC SEPIC converter is adjusted so that the solar panel output impedance is equal to the
input resistance of the SEPIC converter which results better spectral performance in the tracked
voltages when compared to conventional PWM control. The conversion efficiency of the proposed
MPPT system is increased when CPWM is used as a control scheme

Keywords: CPWM, MPPT, SEPIC Converter, PV module

1. Introduction of the SEPIC converter and the simulated results are

presented. The inherent nature of SEPIC converter is that
Solar power is a renewable energy source that might additional input filters are not necessary to filter out high
replace fossil fuel dependent energy sources. However, for frequency harmonics. The SEPIC (Single Ended Primary
that to happen, solar power cost per kilowatt-hour has to be Inductor Converter) topology is an excellent choice for a
competitive with fossil fuel energy sources. Currently, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converter in small
solar panels are not very efficient it has 12-20% efficiency solar energy systems. Simulation and experimental
to convert sunlight to electrical power. The efficiency can validation are given by Kashyap et al. [12]
drop further due to other factors such as solar panel The maximum power tracking for PV panel using DC-
temperature and load conditions. In order to maximize the DC converter is developed [13] without using micro
power derived from the solar panel, it is important to controller. The nominal duty cycle of the main switch in
operate the panel at its optimal power point. To achieve this, the SEPIC converter is adjusted to a value, so that the input
a type of charge controller called a Maximum Power Point resistance of the converter is equal to the equivalent output
Tracker will be designed and implemented. resistance of the solar panel at the MPP. This approach
The MATLAB/PSPICE model of the PV module is ensures maximum power transfer under all atmospheric
developed [1-4] to study the effect of temperature and conditions. The analogue chaotic PWM is used to reduce
insolation on the performance of the PV module. the EMI in boost converter. The conversion efficiency is
MATLAB-based modelling and simulation scheme suitable increased when CPWM is uses as a control technique [14-
for studying the I-V and P-V characteristics of a PV array 15]. The chua’s diode and chua’s oscillator was used to
under a non-uniform insolation due to partial shading [5] generate chaotic PWM. The spectral performance has been
was proposed. The mathematical model of solar PV improved in induction drives when CPWM is used [16].
module is useful for the computer simulation. The power This paper proposes to implement Chaotic PWM as a
electronics interface is connected between a solar panel control method to improve the steady state performance of
and a load or battery bus, is a pulse width modulated the DC-DC SEPIC converter based MPPT system for solar
(PWM) DC-DC converter or their derived circuits is used PV module. The nominal duty cycle of the main switch of
to extract maximum power from solar PV panel [6]. I-V DC-DC SEPIC converter is adjusted, so that the solar panel
characteristic curve of photovoltaic (PV) generators based output impedance is equal to the input resistance of the dc-
on various DC-DC converters [7-10] was proposed and dc converter which results better spectral performance in
concluded that SEPIC converter is the best alternative to the tracked voltages when compared to conventional PWM
track maximum power from PV panel. control. The conversion efficiency of the proposed MPPT
Shagar et al. [11] described the closed loop mechanism system is increased when CPWM is used.
† Corresponding Author: Department of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University
Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. ([email protected]) 2. MATLAB Model of L1235-37W Solar PV Module
* Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, College of
Engineering Guindy, Anna University Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
({maglincsiit, bacyavaigo2000}@gmail.com)
A solar cell is a kind of p-n junction semiconductor
Received: September 13, 2013; Accepted: January 22, 2013 device and converts light energy into electrical energy. The

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 Maglin J.R, Ramesh.R and Vaigundamoorthi.M

Fig. 1. (a) Equivalent circuit of solar PV module

Fig. 2. (a) L1235-37W solar module under test

Fig. 1. (b) MATLAB model for PV module

Table 1. Specifications of l1235-37W solar PV panel

Short circuit current (Isc) 2.5A
Voltage at MPP(Vm) 16.4
Current at MPP(Im) 2.25
Open circuit voltage (Voc) 21V
Length 645mm Fig. 2. (b) V-I characteristics of L 1235-37W solar panel
Width 530mm
Depth 34mm
Weight 4kg 2.1 Modelling of SEPIC converter
Maximum power (Pmax) 37W
The relation between input and output currents and
voltage are given by
output characteristics of the solar PV module depend on
the irradiance and the operating temperature of the cell.
The equivalent circuit of PV module is shown in Fig. 1(a). Vo D
= (3)
From the Fig. 1(a), the current equation is given by VIN (1 − D)
I IN D
Isc = ID + IPV + (VD / Rp) (1) = (4)
IO (1 − D)
Vpv=VD-(Ipv*Rs) (2)
The Table 2 shows the components used in simulation
where diode current is, Id = Io + (e (VD / VT) -1). and hardware setup for the power circuit. The duty cycle of
Based on the electrical Eqs. (1) and (2), the solar PV the SEPIC converter under continuous conduction mode is
module is modelled in MATLAB as shown in Fig. 1(b). given by
Which is used to enhance the understanding, predict the
V-I characteristics to analyze the effect of temperature and
VOUT + VD
irradiation variation. If irradiance increases, the fluctuation D= (5)
of the open circuit voltage is very small. But the short VIN + VOUT + VD
circuit current has sharp fluctuations with respect to
irradiance. However, for a rising operating temperature, the VD is the forward voltage drop across the diode (D),
open-circuit voltage is decreased in a Non-linear fashion The maximum duty cycle is
[1].
The V-I characteristics are validated experimentally in VOUT + VD
D max = (6)
the L1235-37Wp solar module shown in Fig. 2(a). The VIN(min) + VOUT + VD
Table 1 shows the technical specifications of L1235-37W
solar module under test. The Fig. 2(b) shows the V-I
The value of the inductor is selected based on the below
characteristics is based on the experimental results under
equations
irradiation (G) =1000W/m2, temperature =25°C.

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 Design and Analysis of SEPIC Converter Based MPPT for Solar PV Module with CPWM

Table 2: Specification of SEPIC converter IQ1(peak). The minimum peak reverse voltage the diode must
Input inductor L1 500e-6 H
withstand is,
Filter inductor L2 500e-6H
Capacitor C1 220e-6F VRD = Vin(max) + Vout (max)
Filter capacitor C2 220e-6F
Resistive load R 2Ω 2.2 Dynamic input characteristics of a SEPIC
Switching frequency 25kHz
Switch : MOSFET IRF510
converter at MPP
Optocoupler MCT2E
Diode MUR450 The input voltage and the equivalent input resistance of
the converter are Vs and Ri respectively. As the input
power ρi to the converter is equal to the output power ρ o
VIN(MIN) * D MAX of the solar PV module
L1 = L 2 = L = (7)
ΔI L *fS
VS2
ρi = ρo = (10)
ΔI L is the peak-to-peak ripple current at the minimum Ri
input voltage and fs is the switching frequency. The value
of C1 depends on RMS current, which is given by The rate of change ρi with respect to VS and Ri can be
shown below
VOUT + VD
Ic1(rms) = Iout * (8)
VIN(MIN) 2VS V2
∂ρi = ∂VS − S ∂R i (11)
Ri R i2
The voltage rating of capacitor C1 must be greater than
the input voltage. The ripple voltage on C1 is given by At the MPP, the rate of change of pi equals zero and
Ri= rg
I(OUT) * D MAX
ΔVc1 = (9) ∂VS V
C1 *fS ∂ρi =0, hence = S (12)
∂R i 2R i
The parameters governing the selection of the MOSFET
are the minimum threshold voltage Vth(min), the on- The equation gives the required dynamic resistance
resistance RDS(ON), gate-drain charge QGD, and the characteristics of the tracker at MPP.
maximum drain to source voltage VDS(max). The peak switch
voltage is equal to Vin + Vout. The peak switch current is
given by 3. Generation of Chaotic PWM

I Q1(Peak) = IL1(PEAK) + IL2(PEAK) In order to improve the steady state performance of

Solar PV powered system, direct control Chaotic Pulse
The RMS current is given by width modulated (CPWM) SEPIC converter is proposed to
track maximum power from solar PV module. Therefore,
in order to get chaotic frequency f∆ or chaotic amplitude A∆,
IQ1(rms) = Iout ( VOUT + Vin(min) ) * VVOUT chaos-based PWM (CPWM), as shown in Figs. 3 (a) and
in(min)2
(b) is analyzed to generate chaotic PWM. The analogue
chaotic PWM has its advantages over the digital in its low
The total power dissipation for MOSFETs includes
costs and easy-to-design, making it suitable for high-
conduction loss (as shown in the first term of the above
frequency operation and situations when design flexibility,
equation) and switching loss as shown in the second term.
high converter conversion efficiency and low cost. In order
IG is the gate drive current. The RDS(ON) value should be
to generate chaotic pulse width modulation chua’s diode is
selected at maximum operating junction temperature and is
used to trigger the main switch of SEPIC converter, and to
typically given in the MOSFET datasheet.
be used for reducing spectral peaks in tracked converter
voltage.
Pswitch = (IQ1(rms) * RDS (ON) *Dmax)
The CPWM adopts sawtooth to modulate, but its carrier
+(Vin(min))+Vout)*I Q1(Peak * (QGD * fS )/ IG
period T∆′ changes according to
The output diode must be selected to handle the peak
current and the reverse voltage. In a SEPIC converter, the Xi
TΔ ' = *TΔ
diode peak current is the same as the switch peak current Mean(x)

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 Maglin J.R, Ramesh.R and Vaigundamoorthi.M

Where T∆ is invariant period, Xi, I = 1,2,….N, a chaotic but its carrier amplitude A∆′ changes according to
sequence, x=(x1,x2…xN), and Mean(x), average of the
sequence, defined as ⎧ Xi ⎫
A Δ ' = ⎨1 + K ⎬ AΔ
⎩ Mean(x) ⎭
N
1
Mean(x) = Lim ∑X
i =1
i
N Where A∆ is the invariant amplitude, Xi, i= 1,2,….N, a
N→∞ chaotic sequence,
x= ( x 1,x2…xN ), and Mean (x), average of the sequence,
Similarly the CPWM also adopts sawtooth to modulate, and K is the modulation factor of the amplitude which can
be set required in practice. The value of K is selected as
low so that the ripple in the output voltage of the SEPIC
converter is low. Also the ripple in the output voltage
controlled by Chaotic PWM is low.
The analog chaotic carrier is generated based on the
circuit shown in Fig. 3(a). The resistances (Rd1 … Rd6) are
used to realise linear resistor called Chua diode. The
parameters for Chua’s diode are designed and chosen as
Rd1 = 2.4 kΩ, Rd2 = 3.3 kΩ, Rd3 = Rd4 = 220Ω, and Rd5 = Rd6
= 20 kΩ. The other parameters of Chua’s oscillator used in
Fig. 3. (a) Chua’s diode the experiment are L1 = 2.2 mH, C1 = 4.7 nF, C2 = 500 pF,
and R = 1.75 KΩ.

Fig. 3. (b) Chua’s oscillator Fig. 4. Block diagram of the proposed MPPT system

Fig. 5. Closed loop simulation of MPPT system using CPWM for solar PV module

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 Design and Analysis of SEPIC Converter Based MPPT for Solar PV Module with CPWM

4. Simulation Result conversion efficiency is increased from 86% to 92%

because of the lower average switching frequency in
The block diagram of the hardware setup is shown in Fig. CPWM.
4. The closed loop simulink model of SEPIC DC-DC
converter based maximum power tracking using Chaotic
PWM is shown in Fig. 5. 5. Experimental Setup
The generated chaotic carrier and Chaotic PWM are
shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The conventional PWM is shown Fig. 10 shows of experimental setup of the proposed
in Fig. 8. SEPIC converter-based MPPT for solar PV module, which
The Fig. 9 shows the tracked power from the solar PV is constituted by a power stage and a control circuit. The
module is 36.5W corresponds to 1000W/m^2 and 13W power stage includes an inductor L1, L2, capacitor C1, C2, a
corresponds to 500W/m^2. The tracking efficiency is switch S, a load resistance, a solar PV module (L1235-
98.6% without considering the efficiency of the solar PV 37Wp).
module and the converter. The duty cycle of the main The generated chaotic carrier and periodic carrier are
switch of the SEPIC converter is 45%. The converter shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The corresponding conventional

Time(*10-3sec)
Fig. 6. Chaotic carrier
Fig. 10. Hardware setup

Fig.7. Chaotic PWM

Fig. 11. Chaotic carrier

Fig. 8. Conventional PWM

Fig. 9. Tracked power using DC-DC SEPIC converter Fig. 12. Periodic carrier

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 Maglin J.R, Ramesh.R and Vaigundamoorthi.M

Fig. 13. PWM Fig. 16. SEPIC converter output voltage (multiplier=5)

Fig. 17. Output Voltage Ripple (PWM)

Fig. 14. Chaotic PWM

Fig. 18. Spectral analysis of output voltage using FFT

Fig. 15. Tracked input voltage from solar PV module

PWM and chaotic PWM are shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

The tracked input and output voltage from the solar PV
module is shown in Figs. 15 and Fig. 16. The ripple voltage
of the converter output voltage is analyzed using FFT. Fig
17 shows the ripple voltage in the output voltage is 200 m
V. The spectrum of output voltage using conventional
PWM is shown in Fig. 18. It implies that the db magnitude
corresponds to fundamental frequency (25KhZ) is -10db
Vrms when convention PWM is used as control method.
The SEPIC converter output voltage ripple using CPWM Fig. 19. Output voltage ripple and its spectrum analysis
control method is shown in Fig. 19. The ripple voltage is using FFT (Y-axis: 20 db)

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 Design and Analysis of SEPIC Converter Based MPPT for Solar PV Module with CPWM

only 80mV. The db magnitude corresponds to fundamental Point Tracking Technique for Solar Panels Using a
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Converter”, IEEE transactions on aerospace and
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1019-1028
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[6] Durán,E J., Galán, M., Sidrach-de-Cardona, Andújar J. R. Maglin was born in Tamil Nadu,
J.M, “Measuring the I-V Curve of Photovoltaic India. He received his B.E degree in
generators-analyzing different dc -dc converter Electrical and Electronics Engineering
topologies”, IEEE industrial electronics magazine, from University of Mysore, Karnataka,
September 2009, pp.4-14 India in 1995. He received his M.E de-
[7] Tse, K.K., Ho,M.T., Henry S.-H., Chung., Ron Hui, gree in Power Systems from Annamalai
S.Y, “A Novel Maximum Power Point Tracker for University, Chidambaram, India in
PV Panels Using Switching Frequency Modulation”, 2002. Doing Ph.D degree in the area of
IEEE transactions on power electronics, vol. 17, no. Grid Connected Solar System in the Department of
6, November 2002 pp. 980-989 Electrical and Electronics Engineering, College of Engi-
[8] Henry Shu-Hung Chung., Tse, K.K., Ron Hui, S.Y., neering Guindy.
Mok, C.M., Ho, M.T, “A Novel Maximum Power

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 Maglin J.R, Ramesh.R and Vaigundamoorthi.M

R. Ramesh was born in Tamil Nadu,

India. He received his B.E degree in
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
from University of Madras, Chennai,
India in 1999. He received his M.E de-
gree in Power Systems from Annamalai
University, Chidambaram, India in
2002. He received Ph.D degree in the
area of Grid Service Model for Distributed On-Line Load-
flow Monitoring from the Department of Electrical and
Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering Guindy,
Anna University, Chennai, India in 2008. Presently he is
working as a Associate Professor in the Department of
Electrical and Electronics Engineering, College of
Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, India. His
research areas are Multi-area Power Systems, Solar PV
systems, Power Electronic Converters, Web and Embedded
based systems. He has published more than 40 research
papers in reputed International Journals and IEEE
Conferences. He is a Member of Institution of Engineers
(India), Member of Indian Society for Technical Education,
and Member of IAENG, Hong Kong. He received the IET
YPSC Young Teacher Award in 2011 from IET (UK) YPS
Chennai Network for his contributions to the profession
and IET.. Also he received Young Engineering Award from
the Institution of Engineers (India) in 2012.

Vaigundamoorthi. M was born in

Tamil Nadu, India. He received his B.E
degree in Electrical and Electronics
Engineering from Madurai Kamaraj
University, Tamilnadu, India in 2002.
He received his M.E degree and Ph.D
Degree in Power electronics and
Drives from Anna University, Chennai,
India in 2007 and 2013. His area of research include power
electronics circuits for solar PV system

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