Publication Date

2016

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Zinger, Donald S.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Electrical Engineering

LCSH

Photovoltaic power generation; Solar energy

Abstract

The need for renewable energy sources is growing day by day because of the severe energy crisis in the world today. Renewable energy sources play a significant role in electricity generation. Several renewable energy sources (like solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass) can be used for generation of electricity and for meeting our daily energy demands. Solar energy is the most viable option for electricity generation because it is available everywhere and is free to utilize. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) arrays convert the solar energy into electrical energy. With the current concentration on greener and cleaner sources of power, PV arrays are being used as an important source of power in many applications. One of the main causes for the reduced energy yield of many PV systems is a partial shading of PV arrays. The phenomenon of partially shaded conditions is widespread in all kinds of photovoltaic systems. This thesis proposes an effect of partial shading on photovoltaic array configurations. This thesis intended to investigate a schematic to draw out maximum attainable solar power from a PV panel for use in a DC application. The concept of Maximum Power Point Tracking is to be implemented which results in a noticeable growth in the efficiency of the Photovoltaic System. Different techniques of MPPT algorithms are discussed in this thesis namely Neural Network, Open Circuit Voltage, Short Circuit Current, Fuzzy Logic Control, Perturb and Observe, and Incremental Conductance. However, the Perturb and Observe is implemented. Therefore, the MPPT algorithm proposed would identify the appropriate duty ratio in which the DC-to-DC converter should be operated to get the maximum power output.

Comments

Advisors: Donald S. Zinger.||Committee members: Michael J. Haji-Sheikh; Mansour Tahernezhadi.||Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations.

Extent

xii, 80 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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