PPM Tracking Device Based on a New Adaptive P&O Method Implemented at Low Cost with Arduino Uno for Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

The present invention proposes an innovative maximum power point (MPP) tracking device, optimized for photovoltaic (PV) systems. Based on an advanced Perturber and Observer (P&O) algorithm and integrated Proportional-Integral (PI) control, this device incorporates a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method with an adaptive step size mechanism. By replacing the traditional voltage disturbance with a current disturbance, tracking accuracy and efficiency are considerably enhanced, thus reducing energy losses. The whole package is implemented on a low-cost Arduino Uno microcontroller, using C++ code optimized to integrate PI control directly, eliminating the need for external components. This solution offers enhanced performance, simplified architecture and reduced costs, outperforming not only conventional methods but also advanced techniques such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC).