MPPT-Based Model Predictive Control for Split Source PV Inverters

The paper proposes a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) based Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach for photovoltaic (PV) fed grid-connected Split Source Inverters (SSI). The split source inverters offer both input voltage boosting and DC/AC conversion capabilities with a single power stage. Therefore, the DC side voltage and output current need to be controlled for the proper operation of the SSI. Furthermore, MPPT is essential for grid-connected PV inverters to extract maximum power from the solar. To achieve these objectives, the Perturb and Observe MPPT (PO-MPPT) algorithm generates the input current reference of the SSI. The proposed MPC approach is responsible for controlling the input and output currents of the SSI. The effectiveness of the proposed control approach is investigated by simulation studies performed on MATLAB/Simulink environment. The results reveal that the proposed approach successfully regulates the DC side voltage and output current with the MPPT capability. Moreover, the total harmonic distortion (THD) in the transferred grid current is under the recognized limits by the standards.