Solar Controller with Automatic Search Technology for the Maximum Power Point with Autonomy Display

Abstract

In our work, we have been interested in conducting technological research on the use of photovoltaic energy for lighting. In fact, we have produced a stand-alone photovoltaic system with automatic search for the maximum power point, consisting of a photovoltaic module, a solar regulator, a storage battery and a digital control by microcontroller. The solar field is connected to the input of the regulator and the battery to its output. When the battery voltage is lower than the regulation voltage, the controller operates the photovoltaic generator at maximum power Pmpp and transfers this power to the output. In addition to the protection function, this regulator ensures tracking of the maximum power point (MPPT) and allows the photovoltaic generator to deliver its power whatever the variation of climatic conditions (sunshine and temperature). The main role of the solar regulator is the continuous monitoring of the state of charge of the battery to ensure its protection against overcharging and excessive discharging, the coupling and decoupling of the user as well as its maintenance. The principle of operation is based on controlling a DC-DC converter by a rectangular “PWM” signal generated by a PIC16F874 microcontroller which also controls the entire system. The results of simulation after realization were presented to illustrate the operation of the regulator by curves.