MPPT (Maximum power point tracker)

MPPT (Maximum power point tracking): It is an algorithm included in the charge controller circuit to extract maximum power from the PV module under certain conditions.

Maximum power point is the point obtained from the characteristics corresponds to a particular voltage & current of the PV module where the maximum power can be produced. However, the Power point tracked is variable as the PV module for the power generation depends on the sunlight (irradiance), Cell temperature. The MPP tracker functionality will remain same & works better, proves effective during the shading, winter seasons.

The above characteristics are of a typical 180W PV module (Under STC conditions), and the maximum power point varies with Irradiance (W/Sq. m), Operating Temperature, and Atmosphere which are termed as STC conditions.

Working of MPPT:

MPPT checks output of PV module, compares it to battery (off grid) voltage then fixes what is the best power that PV module can produce to charge the battery and converts it to the best voltage to get maximum current into battery (it is the no. of amps of current into the battery that counts). It can also supply power to a DC load, which is connected directly to the battery.

The output of MPPT tracker is connected to the DC to DC converter. Normally  the DC-DC converter takes input from the solar panels, change it to high frequency AC using a transformer(usually in the 20-80 kHz range), and convert it back down to a different DC voltage as guided by the MPPT controller, so as to have a constant fixed voltage for the inverter.

The process of this DC-DC conversion is to have the control on the voltage which feeds the inverter (ON-grid) (i.e., to buck or boost the voltage based on the input from the MPPT controller).

Figure showing internal functioning of an MPPT controller

Efficiency:  Modern MPPT's are around 93-97% efficient in the conversion. We mostly get a 20% to 45% power gain in winter and 10% to 15% in summer. Actual gain can vary widely depending weather, temperature, battery state of charge, and other factors.

MPPT works effectively during cloudy weather, winter seasons & in deep battery discharge conditions.

Steps to consider an MPPT charge controller:

 Find out the battery voltage (Vb) & Watt-peak of the PV module, using this find out the charging current i.e., ( Wp/Vb )= I_c and taking safety factor 1.2(NEC requirement) then calculate I=I_c*1.2 and Choose this current level  charge controller.

Find the panel output voltage (Vmp) and check it weather it is in charge controller’s MPPT operating voltage range or not.

Finally the Voc (open circuit voltage) has to meet the Voc of the charge controller.

Important parameters:

Input:

Max. DC input voltage: Maximum input voltage that the controller is rated.

Rated input power: It is the maximum power that an MPPT is designed to operate effectively.

Maximum input current: Maximum input current that can be taken by the tracker to put the maximum power at its output terminals.

Output:

Peak efficiency: It is the maximum possible efficiency (output to input ratio) that can be obtained by the MPP tracker.

Self power consumption: Power consumed by the circuit during its functioning (maximum power point tracking).

MPPT voltage range: Range of voltage for which the maximum power can be extracted from the PV module/string/system.

Max. Voltage (Voc):  It is the maximum voltage that an MPPT circuit can withstand.

Max. Charging current: Similarly, the maximum current that can be allowed to the MPPT system during its function.

Rated load current: Maximum current that can be drawn by the load through the MPPT controller.

Operating  Temperature: Operating temperature levels

Temperature degradation (mV/ ^o C): Drop in the voltage due to the rise of temperature.

Protection:

Input/ output over current protection: Protection against short circuit/ground faults whenever the faults occur.

Reverse current: This feature includes the protection against the current flowing in reverse direction i.e., from the battery to the PV panels in off-grid and from the grid to the panels in on-grid system.

Lightening/Surge current: Protection against the surges i.e., bypassing the huge currents during surges in order to safeguard the controller and the system.

Datasheet:

The following link directs to the technical data sheet of an MPPT controller.

http://www.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SSMPPT_ENG10_1111.pdf

Manufacturers list:

The following list comprises of some of the well known Indian MPPT controller manufacturers.

Name of the company		Address
Protonics Systems India Private Limited		C- 45, Sector- 81, Phase- 2 Noida - 201305, Uttar Pradesh, India
Kavita Solar Energy Private Limited		No. 231, New Defence Colony, Near Railway Station Railway Road, Muradnagar Ghaziabad - 201206, Uttar Pradesh, India
SU-KAM POWER SYSTEMS LTD.		Plot No. 54, Udyog Vihar,Phase VI, Sector-37,Gurgaon - 122001, Haryana, India
Cosmic Micro Systems Private Limited		No. 23, 2nd A Cross, J. C. Nagar, Mahalakshmipura Layout, Bengaluru - 560086, Karnataka, India
ARVI Systems & Controls Pvt. Ltd		80/A2, Industrial Suburb, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore 560 022, Karnataka, India, Email: enquiry@arviups.com
Enertech		S. No. 399/1-2, Bhare,P.O. Ghotawade,Near Pirangut, Taluka -Mulshi, Dist. Pune – 412115
SSG Power Pvt Ltd.,		174-B, Lakshmiyapuram, PACR Road, Rajapalayam - 626117, Virudhunagar District, Tamilnadu. Email :  info@ssgpower.co.in
Quantum Power Conversions (P) Ltd,		B37/2,B37/3, ITI Industrial Estate, Mahadevapura PO, Bangalore KA, India – 560048 email: sales@qpcpower.com
Jeevaditya Solar Power Pvt Ltd		A-23, 2nd Main Road, Ranganathan Nagar, Opposite To Bharat University, Selaiyur Chennai - 600073, Tamil Nadu, India
Power max energies pvt ltd.		202, Matoshree, Mithagar Road, Mulund East Mumbai - 421201, Maharashtra, India
Star Automations		10, Manuneedhi Chozhan Salai, Near GST Road, Urappakkam, Kanchipuram District Chennai - 603210, Tamil Nadu, India
Ruchi Telecom Pvt. Ltd.		F-81, Khanpur Extension, New Delhi - 110062, Delhi, India
Vitronics Controls Private Limited		S. No. 58/4/4/2, Gokul Nagar, Behind Jain Temple, Katraj-Kondhwa Road, Kondhwa BK, Landmark Opposite Shiv Parvati Mangal Karyalaya, Pune - 411048, Maharashtra, India
Soyo Systems		Plot No. M- 91, M. I. D. C. Area, Near Godavari Engineering Collage Jalgaon - 425003, Maharashtra, India
Fulfill Electric Corporation, Coimbatore		No. 13, Electrical & Electronic Industrial Estate, Near Co India- CMTR, Avinashi Road, Civil Aerodrome Post, Coimbatore - 641014, Tamil Nadu, India
Senratech		No. 502-A, Golden Complex, Avinashi Road Tiruppur - 641602, Tamil Nadu, India
Advanced Solar Power Systems		No. 844, Sector- 13, Vasundhara, Near Maharaja Agarsain Public School,Ghaziabad - 201012, Uttar Pradesh, India
Green Solar Company		No. 369, SAK Complex, Palladam Road Tiruppur - 641604, Tamil Nadu, India
Quantum Power Conversions Pvt. Ltd.		B 37/2 & 3, 1 & 2nd Floor, ITI Industrial Estate, Mahadevapura Whitefield Road Bengaluru - 560048, Karnataka, India
Sunflare Solar Private Limited		Plot No. 6/19, 2nd Floor, Kattori Mill, G.T. Road, Mohan Nagar, Delhi NCR Ghaziabad - 201007, Uttar Pradesh, India
Blue Chip Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd.		E-57, Ground Floor, Chattarpur Extension New Delhi - 110074, Delhi, India
Manak engineering services		B- 46, Flatted Factory Complex, Capt. Gaur Marg, Near Okhla Sabzi Mandi, Phase- 3, Okhla, New Delhi - 110020, Delhi, India
Xpanz Energy Solutions LLP		314, JOP Plaza, 3rd Floor, Sector-18 Noida - 201301, Uttar Pradesh, India
Navyug Power Infra Private Limited		No. 1024 SF, Shakti Khand 4, Near Aman Plaza, Indrapuram, Ghaziabad - 201010, Uttar Pradesh, India
Windoi Energy Pvt. Ltd.		6, Rani Jhansi Road, Near Jhandewalan Mandir New Delhi - 110055, Delhi, India
Sds Fabricaters		No. 1/918, 5th Street, Venkadeshwara Nagar, Perungudi, Chennai - 600096, Tamil Nadu, India
Pearlescent Green(a Branch Of Pearlescent Electrical Pvt. Ltd.)		Level- 5, SB Tower-1, Film City, Sector-16 A Noida - 201301, Uttar Pradesh, India
Setfusion		No. 50/1, Ground Floor, 8th Main, Mathikere Bengaluru - 560054, Karnataka, India
Apna Global Industries Pvt. Ltd.		B-11 Sujan Vihar Swej Farm Nandpuri 22 Godam Jaipur - 302019, Rajasthan, India
R S Enterprises		No. 5/575, MPN Towers, 1st Floor, Velachery Tambaram Main Road, Opposite Canara Bank, Upstairs Sai Saravana Furniture Chennai - 600100, Tamil Nadu, India
Anona Tech Solutions		2B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kamaraj Nagar, Avarampalayam, Coimbatore - 641006, Tamil Nadu, India
Matrix International		No. 140, Gokul Dham Colony, Near Jalalpur, Muradnagar, Delhi- 201206, India
N J Corporation (n J Electricals & Electronics)		Plot No. 11, Champa Nagar, Main Market, Gurjar Ki Thadi, Mansarovar , Jaipur - 302019, Rajasthan, India
Kshitiz Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd.		A-4, 1st Floor, F.I.E. Patparganj Industrial Area, Delhi- 110092, India
Galaxy Engineering systems		No. 5- 6, Milan Complex, Opposite PNB, MG Road, Sukhrali, Gurgaon - 122001, Haryana, India
Omni power systems		No. 604, Sammnwar House, Opp. RTO, Behind Giripeth Post Office, Giripeth, Nagpur - 440010, Maharashtra, India
Lakshmi Electronics		No. 28, Navy Nagar, 5th Cross East, Meena Estate, Coimbatore - 641028, Tamil Nadu, India
Phoebus Energie		Sector10B, Vasundhara Ghaziabad - 201012, Uttar Pradesh, India

Note: The information(Manufacturers list) mentioned above may vary, and we are not responsible for any changes.

However, the source for the Manufacturers list is indiamart.com