Photovoltaic dynamic MPPT on a moving vehicle

In addition to the conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic panel, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method also plays a central role to harvest most energy out of sun. The MPPT unit on a moving vehicle must keep tracking accuracy high in order to compensate rapid change of insolation due to dynamic motion of the vehicle. In this paper, some problems of a PV system associated with a moving vehicle are addressed, and a modified quadratic maximization MPPT algorithm is proposed. Theoretical PV performance is linked to the experimental test followed by the Sandia dynamic test protocol to verify the proposed MPPT method. Finally, experimental result on a model ship is discussed.

► The characteristic of a PV system on a moving vehicle is analyzed.
► Limitations of quadratic maximization method used on a moving vehicle are discussed.
► A modified quadratic maximization (QM) MPPT algorithm is proposed.
► The modified QM method shows superior MPPT performance under various tests.