FPGA-Based Statechart Controller for MPPT of a Photovoltaic System

Abstract

Conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers in photovoltaic (PV) systems are seen to achieve tracking speeds in range of milliseconds. Power-electronic circuits in these systems many-a-time demand faster control actions in microseconds, as they operate at high frequencies, and also, a delay in control action would lead to a corresponding power-loss. Hence, an MPPT controller delivering such fast tracking speeds would improve overall system performance. In this work, an Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based Statechart Controller is developed to perform MPPT control of the PV system. The developed Statechart Controller is tested using software-in-the-loop simulation(SILS) and results are presented. With inputs from a programmable logic controller emulating PV characteristic curves, the Statechart Controller is then deployed in a target FPGA. A comparison between performance with conventional MPPT controller and Statechart Controller is presented and results indicate that the latter is more effective in terms of tracking speeds, determinism, and modularity.

KEYWORDS:

• Co-simulation
• FPGA
• FSM
• MPPT
• Photovoltaic system
• Statechart
• Software-in-the-loop simulation

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the authorities of PLC Automation Laboratory of “Siemens Centre of Excellence” at Andhra University under Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation(APSSDC) for their support to carry out this work smoothly.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lahari M. V. Pankaj

Lahari M V Pankaj completed her bachelors (in 2013) and master's of Technology (in 2015) in electrical engineering and power electronics & drives respectively, Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering (Autonomous). With a teaching experience of 5 years, she is currently pursuing PhD at Andhra University. Her areas of interest are embedded systems in electrical engineering, automation, and power electronics. Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

Rama S. Kasibhatla

Rama S Kasibhatla completed her Bachelors in Engineering (in 1991) at Gitam University and Masters in Engineering (in 1994) in power systems at Andhra University. She pursued her PhD at Andhra University in 2004. Her areas of interest are embedded systems applications, automation, digital circuits & devices and renewable energy sources. She is working as professor at Andhra University. Email: [email protected]

R. Vijaya Santhi

R Vijaya Santhi completed her Bachelor of Technology, 2003 in electrical engineering at Nagarjuna University and Master's of Technology (in 2008) in power systems at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. She pursued her PhD at Andhra University in 2014, on “Load frequency controller using type-2 fuzzy approach”. Her areas of interest are power systems, renewable energy, and electrical machines. She worked as an assistant professor at Andhra University. Email: [email protected]