This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been

fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI
10.1109/TIE.2015.2407854, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS 1

Modified Perturb and Observe MPPT Algorithm for

Drift Avoidance in Photovoltaic Systems
Muralidhar Killi, and Susovon Samanta, Member, IEEE

Abstract—Perturb and Observe (P&O) maximum power point literature. Overview of various MPPT techniques are discussed
tracking (MPPT) algorithm is a simple and efficient tracking in [27]–[30].
technique. However, P&O tracking method suffers from drift This paper focuses on a widely used perturb and observe
in case of an increase in insolation (G) and this drift effect is
severe in case of a rapid increase in insolation. Drift occurs (P&O) algorithm because of its advantages like - it is PV array
due to the incorrect decision taken by the conventional P&O independent, a true MPPT, can be implemented in both analog
algorithm at the first step change in duty cycle during increase as well as digital platforms, no requirement of periodic tuning
in insolation. A modified P&O technique is proposed to avoid and easy to implement [29]. P&O technique is developed
the drift problem by incorporating the information of change by checking slope( dV dP
) on the P − V characteristics of the
in current (∆I) in the decision process in addition to change in dP
power (∆P ) and change in voltage (∆V ). The drift phenomena PV module. The slope dV > 0 on the left of MPP and
dP
and its effects are clearly demonstrated in this paper for dV < 0 on the right of MPP. Thus, depending on the sign
conventional P&O algorithm with both fixed and adaptive step of the slope operating voltage has to be perturbed to track the
size technique. SEPIC converter is considered to validate the peak power. It is reported in the literature that P&O can be
proposed drift free P&O MPPT using direct duty ratio control implemented by using either voltage reference control with
technique. MATLAB/Simulink is used for simulation studies and
for experimental validation a microcontroller is used as a digital the help of proportional-integral (PI)-controller [11] or by
platform to implement the proposed algorithm. The simulation using direct duty ratio control [12]. Tracking performance
and experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm of the P&O is determined by the tracking time and steady
accurately track the maximum power and avoids the drift in state oscillations which depends on the perturbation step size.
fast changing weather conditions. Smaller perturbation step size results in lower oscillations but
Index Terms—Photovoltaic (PV), maximum power point track- results in slower response. On the other hand large perturbation
ing (MPPT), perturb and observe (P&O), drift phenomena and step size increases the steady state oscillations [10]. Later to
single ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC). improve the performance of P&O, a variable perturbation step
size is utilized in [5], [7], [12].
I. I NTRODUCTION Although P&O has remarkable advantages, the sudden
change in atmospheric conditions causes this P&O algorithm

P HOTOVOLTAIC power generation is evolving as one of

the most remarkable renewable energy sources because
of its benefits like eco-friendly nature, less maintenance, and
to drift away from MPP [27] and the analysis of this drift
problem is given in [11], [31]. This paper presents a clear
analysis of drift such as, when the drift can occur, the
no noise. The characteristics of a PV module will alter with movement of operating point and effect of drift in case of one
solar insolation level and atmospheric temperature [1]–[3]. Ef- time insolation change, as well as rapid change in insolation.
ficiency of the PV system primarily depends on the operating The drift phenomena in case of adaptive P&O technique is
point on the characteristic curve of the PV module. Maximum also incorporated in this paper.
power point tracking (MPPT) is one of the vital functions that The solution to avoid the drift problem is given in [6] by
every PV system should include. Until now a large number of applying a constraint on perturbation step size (∆D). However,
MPPT techniques have been developed [4]–[26] to increase to avoid the drift for a large change in insolation, a high
the efficiency of the PV system. MPPT algorithms such as value of ∆D is required which will effectively increase the
fractional open circuit voltage [4], fractional short circuit power loss in steady state. In [9], the solution to the drift is
current [4], Hill-climbing [5], perturb and observe (P&O) given by considering an upper and lower threshold limits to
[6]–[13], incremental conductance (IncCond) [14]–[18], in- change in power (∆P ) and is not an optimal solution due to
cremental resistance (INR) [19], ripple correlation control the constraints on threshold values of ∆P , which are mainly
(RCC) [20], fuzzy logic [21], neural network [22], particle dependent on the amount of change in insolation. Another
swarm optimization (PSO) [23], [24], sliding mode [25], [26] solution in the name of full curve evaluation is presented in
techniques are some of the MPPT techniques available in the [8] by evaluating the entire trend in P − V curve but it is
not possible to evaluate entire trend in P − V curve in case
Manuscript received May 18, 2014; revised September 27, 2014 and of a rapid change in insolation as the operating point moves
November 30, 2014; accepted January 15, 2015.
Copyright c 2015 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. into the new point on the corresponding insolation curve
However, permission to use this material for any other purposes must be for each insolation change. This paper presents an accurate
obtained from the IEEE by sending a request to pubs-permissions@ieee.org and simple solution to this drift problem by evaluating an
Susovon Samanta is with the Department of Electrical Engineer-
ing, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India (e-mail: saman- another parameter, i.e., change in current (∆I) by modifying
tas@nitrkl.ac.in). the conventional P&O MPPT algorithm.

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This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI
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A DC-DC converter acts as an interface to operate at MPP

by changing the duty cycle (D) of the converter. Different
converter topologies, such as buck [8], boost [30], buck-boost
[23], cuk [32], and SEPIC [26], [32] are available to use
in the stand-alone PV system for battery charger and other
applications. In this paper, SEPIC converter is considered to
validate the proposed drift free P&O MPPT algorithm and it
can be applicable to any other converter topology.
dP
Fig. 3. Slope ( dV ) variation and steady state three level operation of P&O
II. C ONVENTIONAL P&O MPPT MPPT.
The operating point on the characteristics of the PV module
primarily depends on the impedance matching of the PV mod-
ule with respect to the connected load. A DC-DC converter
between the PV module and load acts as an interface to operate
at MPP by changing the duty cycle of the converter generated
by the MPPT controller and a general block diagram of PV
system is shown in Fig. 1.
Using input and output voltage relation for SEPIC (i.e.,
D
Vo = 1 −D VPV ) efficiency of the converter can be expressed
by (1)

η = VPVVo IIoP V 
 2
Req
 2
Req (1)
η = V 2Vo/R
Io
eq
= VVPoV RL = 1−D
D
RL

PV

Where VP V and IP V are PV voltage and current respectively.

The equivalent input resistance (Req ) of the converter as seen
by the PV module can be obtained from (1) as follows:
 2 Fig. 4. Flowchart of conventional P&O MPPT algorithm.
1 −D
Req = η RL (2)
D the PV module. From the P − V characteristics shown in Fig.
From (2) it can be noticed that by changing the duty cycle the 3, it can be visualised that the slope is positive on the left
operating point can be changed as Req changes as shown in of MPP and negative on the right of MPP. Depending on the
Fig. 2 and the MPPT controller should change the duty cycle sign of the slope, the duty cycle has to be perturbed in order to
in order to track the peak power. track the peak power and flowchart of this conventional P&O
The conventional P&O MPPT algorithm is developed based MPPT algorithm is shown in Fig. 4. The duty cycle and the
dP
on the slope ( dV ) variation on the P − V Characteristics of PV voltage (VP V ) are inversely proportional to each other i.e.,
increase in duty cycle causes the VP V to decrease and vice
versa.
The two vital parameters in any MPPT algorithm are
perturbation time and perturbation step size and the criteria
for choosing these two parameters are described below:
1) Selecting proper perturbation time (Ta ): To make sure
minimum number of oscillations with P&O algorithm (i.e.,
3-Level operation), the perturbation time should be higher
than the settling time of the system for a step change (∆D)
in duty cycle [6]. The settling time is proportional to the
perturbation step size (∆D). In the view of adaptive technique,
Fig. 1. Block diagram of PV system with MPPT control. the perturbation time should be chosen such that it is greater
than the settling time for a maximum step (∆Dmax ) change
in duty cycle.
2) Selecting proper perturbation step size (∆D): The per-
turbation step size can be chosen by considering dynamic per-
formance and steady state performance. The maximum value
of step size (∆Dmax ) improves the dynamic performance,
whereas the minimum value of step size (∆Dmin ) improves
the steady state performance. The step size ∆Dmin should
be chosen based on the tracking accuracy in steady state [7]
and ADC resolution [12] of the microcontroller used in the
Fig. 2. Variation of operating point with respect to load line (Req ).

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This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI
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IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS 3

system. In general, as the switching converter intrinsically

contains switching ripple on the PV voltage, an optimum value
of ∆D should be chosen, such that the voltage variation due to
perturbation of D (∆D) should be greater than the amplitude
of switching ripple of the PV voltage [6].
The effectiveness of the P&O technique is determined by
it’s steady state behaviour, drift phenomena and tracking time
which are described below.

A. Steady state three level operation (b)

Three level operation of the P&O technique [6], [11] in
Fig. 5. Conventional P&O MPPT drift analysis (a) drift from point 1 and (b)
steady state is depicted in Fig. 3. Assume that the operating drift in case of rapid increase in insolation.
point has been moved from point 1 to point 2 and the
decision has to be taken at point 2 by considering the values for an increase in insolation at point 2 and point 3 , the drift
of dP and dV . As dP = (P2 − P1 ) > 0 and dV = problem occurs due to confusion of this conventional P&O
(V2 − V1 ) > 0, the algorithm decreases the duty cycle and MPPT technique. This drift problem will be severe in case of
hence the operating point moves to the point 3 . At point 3 a rapid increase in insolation as shown in Fig. 5(b) and in case
as dP = (P3 −P2 ) < 0 and dV = (V3 −V2 ) > 0 the algorithm of adaptive P&O, as ∆D is large for a change in insolation
increases the duty cycle and thereby the operating point moves which will results in the operating point to move in a wrong
back to point 2 . At point 2 as dP = (P2 − P3 ) > 0 and direction far away from the MPP as described below.
dV = (V2 − V3 ) < 0 the algorithm increases the duty cycle
1) Effect of drift on Adaptive P&O: The tracking time
and hence the operating point moves to point 1 . At point 1
and the steady state performance are mainly depends on the
as dP = (P1 −P2 ) < 0 and dV = (V1 −V2 ) < 0 the algorithm
perturbation step size (∆D). To improve both steady state and
decreases the duty cycle and thereby the operating point moves
dynamic performance of the P&O algorithm, an adaptive step
back to point 2 . In this pattern, the algorithm makes the
size is chosen in [8], [14], [33]. The duty ratio with adaptive
operating point to oscillate in three points surrounding the
step size can be realized as follows [8], [14]:
MPP.
dP
D (k ) = D (k − 1 ) ± M ∗ (3)
B. Drift analysis dV
Drift problem occurs for an increase in insolation and From (3) it can be observed that for an increase or decrease
it will be severe for a rapid increase in insolation which in insolation, the adaptive technique generates large value of
dP
generally occurs in cloudy days [6]. Drift can occur from ∆D depending on the value of dV . Thus, the effect of drift
any of the three steady state points as shown in Fig. 5 will be more on adaptive P&O for an increase in insolation
depending on the instant of change in insolation in between due to the large value of generated ∆D.
the perturbation time (Ta ) interval. Drift problem is due to
the lack of knowledge in knowing whether the increase in III. D RIFT FREE M ODIFIED P&O MPPT
power (dP > 0) is due to perturbation or due to increase The conventional P&O MPPT is developed based on the
in insolation. Suppose there is an increase in insolation while observation of dP and dV by considering the P − V char-
operating at point 1 as shown in Fig. 5 (a), then the operating acteristics of the PV module. As said previously P&O has a
point will be settled to a new point 4 in corresponding demerit of drift in case of a rapid increase in insolation due to
insolation curve during the same kTa perturbation interval. confusion and this confusion can be eliminated by evaluating
Now at point 4 as dP = P4 (kTa ) − P2 ((k − 1 )Ta ) > 0 another parameter dI (change in current). The change in
and dV = V4 (kTa ) − V2 ((k − 1 )Ta ) > 0 the algorithm operating point on I − V characteristics due to change in
decreases the duty cycle and thereby moving to point 5 away insolation is described below.
from the MPP in the new curve which is called drift. Similarly The relation between the IP V and VP V corresponding to
the present operating point on the I − V characteristics of the
PV module shown in Fig. 2 can be expressed in terms of slope
of the load line as given below.
D2
IPV = VPV (4)
ηRL (1 − D )2
From the practical single diode model of the PV module, the
current and voltage relationship can be described as follows
[3]:
VPV VP V + Rs IP V
IPV = Isc − Io (e aVt − 1) − (5)
Rsh
(a)

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where Isc is the short circuit current of the PV module, Io is point will settle to a new point 4 in the new insolation curve.
the reverse saturation current, a is the diode ideal factor, Vt is Now the decision has to be taken by the algorithm at point
the thermal voltage, Rs is the series resistance and Rsh is the 4 , where dI = I4 (kTa ) − I2 ((k − 1 )Ta ) > 0 as shown in
shunt resistance of the PV module. By substituting (4) into (5) Fig. 6(a). At the same time on the P − V characteristics
and by considering Taylor’s series expansion up to first order, at point 4 , both dP = P4 (kTa ) − P2 ((k − 1 )Ta ) > 0 and
(5) can be expressed as follows: dV = V4 (kTa ) − V2 ((k − 1 )Ta ) > 0 as shown in Fig. 6(b).
Thus, all three parameters dP , dV and dI are positive at point
D2 VPV VP V 4 as shown in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b). Thus, the positive value
VPV = Isc − Io +
ηRL (1 − D )2 aVt Rsh of dP is due to whether perturbation or due to increase in
Rs D2 insolation can be detected by using the additional parameter
+ VP V (6)
Rsh ηRL (1 − D)2 dI. From the I − V characteristics it can be observed that the
two parameters both dV and dI can never have the same sign
by simplifying (6) the VP V can be expressed in terms of Isc
for a single insolation. Both dV and dI will be positive only
for an insolation G and the slope of the load line as follows:
for an increase in insolation as shown in Fig. 6(a). Thus, an
Isc G increase in insolation can be detected by using the additional
VP V = (7)
parameter dI and thereby increasing the duty cycle (decreasing
G

D2 Rs Io 1
ηRL (1 −D)2 1− Rsh + aVt − Rsh the operating voltage) where both dV as well as dI are positive
By substituting (7) into (4) yields can eliminate the drift problem by moving the operating point
closer to the MPP as shown in Fig. 6(b). Similarly for an
D2 Isc
IP V =  G increase in insolation at point 1 and at point 2 the drift
G ηRL (1 − D )2 D2 Rs Io 1
ηRL (1 −D)2 1− Rsh + aVt − Rsh
problem can be solved by incorporating dI into the algorithm
(8) and the movement of operating point with the proposed drift
free modified P&O MPPT technique in case of a rapid increase
Isc at an insolation of G can be expressed in terms of short in insolation is shown in Fig. 6(c). The flowchart of this drift
circuit current at nominal conditions (Isc,n ) as follows [3]: free modified P&O MPPT technique is shown in Fig. 7.

G
Isc G
= Isc,n + KI ∆T (9)
Gn
where KI is the short circuit current/temperature coefficient
and ∆T = T − Tn (T and Tn are the actual and nominal
temperatures respectively). By substituting (9) in (7) and (8)
and then by considering the derivatives of VP V and IP V
with respect to insolation to determine the effect of change
in insolation on VP V and IP V can be obtained by (10) and
(11) respectively.
(Isc,n + KI ∆T ) G1n + KI GGn dT (a)
dVPV dG
=   >0 (10)
dG D2 Rs Io 1
ηRL (1 −D)2 1 − Rsh + aVt − Rsh

dIPV D2 (Isc,n + KI ∆T ) G1n + KI GGn dG

dT
=  
dG ηRL (1 − D )2 D2 Rs Io 1
ηRL (1 −D)2 1 − Rsh + aVt − Rsh

>0 (11)
The temperature variation is proportional to the change in
dT
insolation i.e., dG > 0. In (10) and (11) the numerator is (b)
dT
of positive value as Isc,n , KI , ∆T and dG all are positive and
the denominator is also of positive quantity as the value of
Rsh is larger and Rs is smaller. Thus, conditions dVdG PV
>0
dIP V
and dG > 0 are valid. Hence from (10) and (11) it can
be noticed that for an increase in insolation both VP V and
IP V increases. Thus, with the information of ∆V and ∆I the
drift phenomena can be avoided by detecting the increase in
insolation.
The I − V characteristics of the PV module and the change
(c)
in operating point due to increase in insolation is shown in
Fig. 6(a). As shown in Fig. 6(a) suppose there is an increase Fig. 6. Drift free analysis with modified P&O MPPT (a) observation of
in insolation while operating at point 3 , then the operating change in current (dI) (b) one time increase in insolation (c) rapid increase
in insolation.

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16 2
G=270 W/m (Simulation)
(15.5 V, 11.2 W)
14 G=270 W/m2 (Experimental)

PV module power (W)

(16.5 V, 10 W)
12 G=480 W/m2 (Simulation)
G=480 W/m2 (Experimental)
10

8 (15.5 V, 4.9 W)
6

4
(14.8 V, 5.15 W)
2

0
0 5 10 15 20
PV module voltage (V)

Fig. 9. Simulation and experimental P − V characteristics of the PV module

for two different insolation levels.

the corresponding MPP, but the conventional P&O is suffering

from the drift, whereas the proposed method is free from drift.

Fig. 7. Flowchart of drift free modified P&O MPPT algorithm. 0.54 Conventional P&O
Drift free modified P&O
0.52
2 G = 480 W/m2
Duty cycle
0.5 G = 270 W/m

0.48 3−Level

0.46
Drift
0.44

0.42
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Time (s)

(a)

Fig. 8. MATLAB/Simulink Model of Simulated PV system. 20 Drift

PV module voltage (V)

IV. SIMULATION RESULTS 15

The PV module is modelled by using the circuit model

[3] and for simulation studies the single diode model with 10 G = 270 W/m
2
G = 480 W/m
2

five parameters for modeling of the PV module at nominal

5 Conventional P&O
conditions are chosen as IP V,n = 1.9 A, I0 = 23.089.10−8 A,
Drift free modified P&O
a = 1.3, Rs = 0.32 Ω and Rp = 120 Ω. The components for
the designed SEPIC converter used in the simulation and the 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
experimental setup are chosen as L1 = 180 µH, L2 = 180 µH, Time (s)
C1 = 47 µF, C2 = 220 µF, Cin = 440 µF, fs = 50 kHz and RL
= 23 Ω. MATLAB/Simulink model of the proposed system is (b)
shown in Fig. 8. The P −V characteristics of the simulated PV 14
Conventional P&O
module are shown in Fig. 9 and from the P −V characteristics 12
Drift free modified P&O
PV module power (W)

it can be noticed that the MPP voltages are 14.8 V and 15.5 10
V corresponding to the insolation level of 270 W/m2 and 480
8
W/m2 respectively. Drift
6

A. Drift analysis for one step change in insolation 4

2
G = 270 W/m G = 480 W/m2
2
The proposed MPPT algorithm has been tested for a step
change in insolation level from 270 W/m2 to 480 W/m2 at 1.01 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
s. The perturbation time (Ta ), and the perturbation step size Time (s)
(∆D) are chosen as 20 ms and 1% respectively. The tracking
waveforms with the proposed drift free modified P&O and (c)
conventional P&O MPPT method are shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 10. With conventional and drift free modified P&O MPPT for one time
it can be visualised that both methods are efficiently tracking insolation change (a) duty cycle variation (b) voltage and (c) power.

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This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI
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B. Drift analysis for a rapid increase in insolation with 14

conventional P&O, optimized P&O [6], optimized dP-P&O Conventional P&O
[9] and proposed modified P&O 12 Optimized P&O [6]
Optimized dP−P&O [9]

PV module power (W)

The drift problem is severe in case of a rapid increase 10
Proposed drift free modified P&O
in insolation. Hence to test the performance of the proposed 8
algorithm with respect to existing drift free methods such as
6
optimized P&O [6] and optimized dP-P&O [9] simulation Drift
is performed for a rapid increase in insolation of 42 W/m2 4 2
G = 270 W/m G = 480 W/m2
successively five times from 270 W/m2 to 480 W/m2 and the 2
corresponding tracking waveforms are shown in Fig. 11. To
0
avoid the drift in case of a large change in insolation according 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
to [6], a high value of perturbation step size (∆D) should Time (s)

be chosen. The optimized P&O [6] simulation is carried out (c)

by considering ∆D = 2.5% to avoid the drift in this case.
From Fig. 11 it can be visualised that optimized P&O [6] can Fig. 11. With conventional P&O, optimized P&O [6], optimized dP-P&O [9]
and proposed drift free modified P&O MPPT for rapid change in insolation
be able to avoid the drift provided that the value of ∆D is (a) duty cycle variation (b) voltage and (c) power.
large, but at the same time the power losses has been increased
due to large voltage oscillations around the MPP. The other C. Drift analysis for one step change in insolation with
method optimized dP-P&O [9] can be able to avoid the drift adaptive conventional P&O and proposed modified P&O
provided the setting of threshold values should meet criteria dP
Adaptive technique with ∆D = M dV [8], [14] has been
for avoiding the drift. Moreover optimized dP-P&O [9] method
simulated for a step change in insolation of 270 W/m2 to 480
has some disadvantages of more complexity, requirement of
W/m2 at 1.01 s with conventional P&O and drift free modified
threshold setting and requirement of an additional sampling at
P&O algorithm and corresponding tracking waveforms are
Ta /2 instant for every iteration. From Fig. 11 it is worth to
shown in Fig. 12. From Fig. 12(a) it is worth to mention that
mention that the proposed method is free from drift without
the effect of drift is more with adaptive technique applied to
any constraints on ∆D and no requirement of an additional
conventional P&O due to the large value of ∆D generated
sampling compared to the above mentioned alternative meth-
by the adaptive technique, whereas the proposed method with
ods.
adaptive technique is free from drift.

0.55
Conventional P&O
Optimized P&O [6] 0.54 Adaptive conventional P&O
Optimized dP−P&O [9] Adaptive drift free modified P&O
Proposed drift free modified P&O 0.52
0.5
Duty cycle

2 0.5
Duty cycle

G = 270 W/m G = 480 W/m2 G = 270 W/m

2 G = 480 W/m2
0.48
0.45 0.46

0.44
3−Level Drift Drift
0.4
0.42
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Time (s) 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Time (s)
(a)
(a)
20 Drift
20 Drift
Adaptive conventional P&O
Adaptive drift free modified P&O
PV module voltage (V)

15
PV module voltage (V)

15

10
G = 270 W/m2 G = 480 W/m2 2
10 G = 270 W/m G = 480 W/m2
Conventional P&O
5 Optimized P&O [6]
Optimized dP−P&O [9] 5
Proposed drift free modified P&O
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
0
Time (s) 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Time (s)
(b)
(b)

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14
Adaptive conventional P&O
12 Adaptive drift free modified P&O
PV module power (W)

10

8
Drift
6

4
2
G = 270 W/m G = 480 W/m2
2

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Fig. 13. Circuit model of developed PV system.
Time (s)

(c)
Fig. 12. Adaptive technique for conventional and drift free modified P&O
MPPT for one time insolation change (a) duty cycle variation (b) voltage and
(c) power.
The steady state power loss calculation in case of P&O is
addressed in [34], [35]. The power loss (Pr ) due to oscillations
in comparison with the available maximum power (Pmp ) can
be expressed as follows [34]:
 2 
(∆VPV )RMS

Pr VMPP Fig. 14. Experimental setup of developed PV system.
= 1+ (12)
Pmp VMPP 2avt
where (∆VP V )RMS is the RMS value of steady sate voltage The voltage and current sensors are required to implement
oscillation and VMP P is the PV module voltage at MPP. From the P&O MPPT algorithm and the microcontroller board
(12) and Fig. 11 (b) it can be observed that the power loss with cannot accept more than 5 V. So the panel voltage is sensed
optimized P&O [6] is more due to large voltage oscillations using the voltage divider circuit with resistances R1 and R2
compared to the optimized dP-P&O [9] and proposed drift free of values 10 kΩ and 1 kΩ respectively and the current sensing
modified P&O method. Comparison of the proposed drift free is done using LEM LA-55P. The PV module chosen for the
modified P&O with the alternative drift free methods such as experimental setup having model number ELDORA 40-P is
optimized P&O [6] and optimized dP-P&O [9] is presented in shown in Fig. 14 and the experiment is performed using the
Table. I. artificial insolation with the help of halogen and incandescent
lamps.
TABLE I The modified P&O MPPT technique with fixed step size is
C OMPARISON OF THE PROPOSED DRIFT FREE MODIFIED P&O WITH tested for a step increase in insolation level of 270 W/m2 to
OTHER ALTERNATIVE DRIFT FREE METHODS
480 W/m2 and for a step decrease in insolation level of 480
Sl.No. Parameter Optimized Optimized Proposed drift free W/m2 to 270 W/m2 . The experimental P −V characteristics of
P&O [6] dP-P&O [9] modified P&O
1 Power loss more less less
the considered PV module at (G, T ) = (270 W/m2 ,43o C) and at
2 Steady state 3-Level 3-Level 3-Level (G, T ) = (480 W/m2 ,48o C) are shown in Fig. 9. From the P −
operation V characteristics, it can be observed that the voltage and power
3 Sampling in- (k−1)Ta , (k − 1)Ta , (k − 1)Ta , kTa
stants per iter- kTa kTa corresponding to MPP for the above mentioned insolation and
2
, kTa
ation temperature conditions are (15.5 V, 4.9 W) and (16.5 V, 10
4 Implementation Low High Low W) respectively. The tracking waveforms with fixed step size
complexity

V. EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION
To validate the functionality and performance of the pro-
posed drift free modified P&O MPPT technique, a prototype
of SEPIC converter and control circuit has been developed.
The SEPIC converter has been constructed using the designed
parameters presented in Section IV. The ARDUINO ATMEGA
2560 microcontroller has been used for digital implementation
of the MPPT algorithm and to provide the PWM control signal
to the designed SEPIC converter. The circuit model and the
experimental setup of the developed system are shown in Fig.
13 and Fig. 14 respectively.
(a)
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This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI
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IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS 8

(b)
Fig. 15. Tracking waveforms with drift free modified P&O MPPT for ∆D = (b)
1% and Ta = 20 ms (a) for a change in Solar insolation from (G, T ) = (270
W/m2 ,43o C) to (480 W/m2 ,48o C) and (b) for a change in Solar insolation
from (G, T ) = (480 W/m2 ,48o C) to (270 W/m2 ,43o C).

of 1% for a step increase in insolation level of 270 W/m2 to

480 W/m2 are shown in Fig. 15(a) and for a step decrease in
insolation level of 480 W/m2 to 270 W/m2 is shown in Fig.
15(b). Fig. 15 shows that the drift free modified P&O MPPT
technique is efficiently tracking the MPP for both, increase as
well as decrease in insolation.
For clear observation of drift problem with conventional
P&O, the experiment is carried out with Ta = 1 s and
with different ∆D = 1%, 2% and the corresponding results
are shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. The three level steady
state operation of P&O MPPT technique for an insolation (c)
of (G, T ) = (270 W/m2 ,43o C) is shown in Fig. 16(a). The
drift analysis is carried out for a step change in insolation Fig. 16. Tracking waveforms with ∆D = 1% and Ta = 1 s (a) three level
operation with drift free modified P&O MPPT for (G, T ) = (270 W/m2 ,43o C)
of (G, T ) = (270 W/m2 ,43oC) to (G, T ) = (480 W/m2 ,48o C) (b) drift existence with conventional P&O for a change in Solar insolation
in between the perturbation time. From Fig. 16(b) and Fig. from (G, T ) = (270 W/m2 ,43o C) to (480 W/m2 ,48o C) (c) drift absence with
17(a) it can be noticed that for an increase in insolation, drift free modified P&O MPPT for a change in Solar insolation from (G, T )
= (270 W/m2 ,43o C) to (480 W/m2 ,48o C).
the operating voltage is increased (power is reduced) in the
next perturbation and causes the conventional P&O to move
avoid the possible uncertainty due to dV ≈ 0 [17] and Ta = 1 s
away from MPP called drift. Whereas with the proposed
for a step change in insolation of (G, T ) = (270 W/m2 ,43oC) to
MPPT technique for the same increment in insolation, the
(G, T ) = (480 W/m2 ,48oC) in between the perturbation time.
operating voltage is decreased (power is increased) in the next
As shown in Fig. 18(a) compared to Fig. 16(b) and Fig. 17(a),
perturbation as shown in Fig. 16(c) and Fig. 17(b). The drift
it is worth to mention that the drift effect is severe in case
behaviour with adaptive technique has been tested with ∆D =
dP of conventional adaptive P&O, whereas in case of adaptive
M ∗ |(VP V dIP V + IP V dVP V )| instead of ∆D = M ∗ dV to
modified P&O the operating point moves very closer to MPP
as shown in Fig. 18(b). Thus, the proposed MPPT technique is
free from drift and resulting in tracking time, as well as power
loss reduction and it will be effective in case of a rapid increase
in insolation compared to conventional P&O MPPT technique.
For evaluating the power loss with the conventional P&O, the
power level during the first Ta period after the change of
insolation with conventional P&O and proposed method are
denoted as P1 and P2 respectively in Fig. 16, 17 and 18. As
shown in Fig. 16(b) the conventional P&O is able to operate at
a power level of P1 = 5W during the first perturbation period
immediate to the change of insolation. Whereas the proposed
method is able to operate at the power level of P2 = 5.1W as
shown in Fig. 16(c) because the proposed method is free form
drift. The difference in power levels is more for high value
of ∆D and also for adaptive case as shown in Fig. 17 and
(a)

0278-0046 (c) 2015 IEEE. Personal use is permitted, but republication/redistribution requires IEEE permission. See
http://www.ieee.org/publications_standards/publications/rights/index.html for more information.
This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI
10.1109/TIE.2015.2407854, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS 9

18. The power loss (P2 − P1 ) and energy loss ((P2 − P1 )Ta )
with the conventional P&O compared to the proposed method
due to drift phenomena observed from the experimental results
shown in Fig. 16, 17 and 18 are presented in Table. II. From
the Table. II it is worth to mention that over a 25 year life
cycle of a PV system, a considerable amount of energy gain
can be achieved with the proposed drift free modified P&O
MPPT method for a large scale PV system.

(b)
Fig. 18. Tracking waveforms with adaptive ∆D and Ta = 1 s (a) drift
existence with conventional P&O for a change in Solar insolation from (G, T )
= (270 W/m2 ,43o C) to (480 W/m2 ,48o C) (b) drift absence with drift free
modified P&O MPPT for a change in Solar insolation from (G, T ) = (270
W/m2 ,43o C) to (480 W/m2 ,48o C).

TABLE II
O BSERVATION OF P OWER AND E NERGY LOSS WITH CONVENTIONAL P&O
COMPARED TO THE PROPOSED METHOD DUE TO DRIFT PHENOMENA FROM
(a) EXPERIMENTAL FIGURES 16, 17 AND 18

Sl.No. perturbation step size Power loss (W) Energy loss (J)
(∆D)
1 1% P2 − P1 ≈0.1 ≈0.1Ta
2 2% P2 − P1 ≈0.3 ≈0.3Ta
dP
3 Adaptive (M dV ) P2 − P1 ≈0.3 ≈0.3Ta

VI. C ONCLUSION
In this paper, the drift phenomena for widely used P&O
MPPT algorithm is thoroughly discussed and then a modifi-
cation to the existing algorithm is proposed to avoid the drift.
The basic principle of the algorithm is to use an extra checking
condition (∆I) in the traditional P&O algorithm to avoid the
drift and the mathematical justification of checking this extra
(b) condition is also proved. The simulation and experimental
validation of the proposed method are done by considering
Fig. 17. Tracking waveforms with ∆D = 2% and Ta = 1 s (a) drift existence SEPIC converter topology with direct duty ratio control. The
with conventional P&O for a change in Solar insolation from (G, T ) = (270
W/m2 ,43o C) to (480 W/m2 ,48o C) (b) drift absence with drift free modified algorithm has been validated by means of numerical simula-
P&O MPPT for a change in Solar insolation from (G, T ) = (270 W/m2 ,43o C) tions, considering the PV panel that has been experimentally
(480 W/m2 ,48o C). identified and characterized. Moreover, laboratory tests have
been performed on a low power solar panel to validate the
effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The simulation and
experimental results prove that the proposed modified P&O
MPPT technique is free from drift and is accurately tracking
the maximum power from the PV panel. The proposed algo-
rithm improves the efficiency of the PV system by gaining
the extra power during drift compared to the conventional
P&O algorithm. Considerable amount of energy gain can be
achieved over the life cycle of the PV panel by using the
proposed method.

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0278-0046 (c) 2015 IEEE. Personal use is permitted, but republication/redistribution requires IEEE permission. See
http://www.ieee.org/publications_standards/publications/rights/index.html for more information.
This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI
10.1109/TIE.2015.2407854, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS 10

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3206, Aug. 2013.

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