A Novel and Efficient Flexible Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Grid-Connected PV Systems Under Rapidly Changing Environments

Abstract

This study introduces a novel Flexible Power Point Tracking (FPPT) algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) systems, designed to optimize power control under varying environmental conditions with low computational complexity. The proposed method leverages simple multiplication and addition operations, eliminating the need for additional hardware, and employs adaptive step sizes to enhance transient and steady-state performance. Comprehensive simulations across 60 irradiance/temperature scenarios and three test cases demonstrate its superiority over seven state-of-the-art methods. In constant power control (CPC) mode, the algorithm achieves the lowest power loss (8.24 Ws) and fastest tracking time (0.295 s), surpassing the second-best method by 30.8% in energy savings. In power reserve control (PRC) mode, it achieves a power loss of 13.02 Ws and an accuracy of 99.90%, outperforming competitors by 7.2% in energy efficiency. Experimental validation using a TMS320F280049 processor confirms consistent performance, with dynamic tests showing rapid mode switching (e.g., 50 W to 150 W in CPC). The algorithm's seamless integration into existing grid-connected PV systems and its ability to minimize oscillations highlight its practical and performance advantages, making it a significant advancement in FPPT technology for reliable and efficient PV power regulation.