A New VSAS approach for Maximum Power Tracking for Renewable Energy Sources (RES).

Abstract: This paper presents, after a comparative review of the most often used algorithms, a control methodology that clarifies the control problems and shows how to design a robust control to track the maximum power point in VSAS. This approach clarifies the rationale behind MPP dynamic tracking problem and shows how to be optimal. This technique called VSAS (Variable Structure Automated Systems) is compared with some techniques existing in literature like PO, HC, InCond and SMC approach. The maximum power is computed online using a Modified Enhanced Perturb and Observe (MEPO) algorithm and a Robust Unified Control Algorithm (RUCA). The proposed MPPT has several advantages: simplicity, high convergence speed, robustness and is independent on PV array characteristics. The algorithm is tested under various operating conditions. The results show that the MPPT is tracked even under sudden change of irradiation level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]