Improving the efficiency of photovoltaic systems using MPPT and ST

In this thesis, photovoltaic (PV) system of which usage is increasing recently, has been studied, and two different methods for improving the efficiency of the PV system is applied to the system together. The methods applied are maximum power point and sun tracking systems (MPPT and ST). While MPPT system is used for transferring the maximum power to the load, ST system allows the PV panel to get maximum sun light Incident sun beams arrives at different angles throughout the day time. By implementing the ST system, these angles are detected at different time intervals, and the PV panels are positioned accordingly. To get the tracking at highest efficiency, two axis tracking system is used. Hence, the attenuation effects of Earth movement at directions of both east to west and north to south axis on light effectiveness are minimized. With the usage of MPPT system, electrical power could be obtained from the PV output is maximized under the varying environmental and loading conditions. This system is achieved by a DC/DC converter with feedback control and embedded into microcontroller. Electrical performance of the PV system is therefore increased by implementing the MPPT and PV system together. Besides, overall system capital cost is kept minimized by using both low cost components and bringing all controls in one unit.