An alternative MPPT control for photovoltaic systems implemented in an FPGA

A new algorithm is presented to control an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) through an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The photovoltaic module was assumed to be connected to a generic load by means of a DC/DC converter controlled through the MPPT. Under these conditions, and for given temperature and solar radiation values, the power supplied by the module was successfully controlled by the proposed algorithm, which promptly caused the photovoltaic module to work up to the maximum power point. The algorithm was developed by means of the VHDL code (Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language) and implemented using a 256FBGA package in an FPGA Fusion AFS600. Simulation results demonstrating the validity of the proposed algorithm are also reported. Key-Words: PV generating systems, MPPT and FPGA, Energy conversion