Development and Investigation in the MATLAB a Model of the MPPT Controller for Battery Charging From a Solar Panel
Students Name: Dudiak Vladyslav Andriiovych
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: Electrical Energetics, Electrical Engineering and Electromechanics
Institute: Institute of Power Engineering and Control Systems
Mode of Study: full
Academic Year: 2025-2026 н.р.
Language of Defence: ukrainian
Abstract: The modern development of the energy sector is characterized by the rapid growth of the share of renewable energy sources in the structure of the global electric power balance. Among them, solar energy occupies a special place due to its universality, environmental friendliness, modularity, and suitability for autonomous use. Solar photovoltaic systems are widely used in household, industrial, transportation, and mobile power supply applications. However, the efficient use of solar radiation energy directly depends on the ability of the control system to maintain photovoltaic modules at their maximum power point. Therefore, the task of implementing MPPT algorithms and developing adequate mathematical models of such systems is of particular importance. One of the key problems in photovoltaic systems is the dependence of the output characteristics of solar panels on the intensity of solar radiation, cell temperature, their degradation, and electrical load. Without regulation, a panel does not always operate at its maximum power point, which leads to a decrease in system efficiency by 20–40%. At the same time, modern microcontroller systems and simulation tools make it possible to create intelligent controllers capable of automatically adapting the operation of the photovoltaic module to changes in environmental conditions. Among such approaches, MPPT methods are among the most effective in practical solar power systems. The development and study of MPPT controllers is highly relevant due to the constant growth of demand for stable power supply of autonomous systems: telecommunication stations, video surveillance systems, electric transport, unmanned aerial vehicles, microgrids, and backup power systems. The use of the MATLAB/Simulink software environment as a platform for modeling photovoltaic systems is one of the most convenient solutions for researchers and developers. The SimPowerSystems and Simscape Electrical libraries make it possible to reproduce electrical, thermal, and dynamic processes in complex nonlinear systems, allowing for accurate results without the need for a physical prototype at the early design stages. The first chapter of the explanatory note discusses general information about MPPT controllers, with particular attention to the need for their application with solar panels. The object of research is a battery charging system powered by a solar panel using an MPPT controller. Scope of research is the transient processes in a battery charging system powered by a solar panel using an MPPT controller, under varying solar irradiance and load steps of different power levels. The purpose of the study: to develop an efficient model of a battery charging system powered by a solar panel using an MPPT controller. The second chapter discusses MPPT controller circuits, their advantages and application features. It describes general principles of MPPT controller design, their main circuit types, topologies, algorithmic structures, advantages and disadvantages of main designs, selection of a controller circuit and practical examples, and development trends in MPPT controller circuits. The third chapter reviews DC–DC converter circuits, their operational principles, and application features. The fourth chapter develops and describes the model of the MPPT-based battery-charging system from a solar panel. The fifth chapter presents the investigation of the MPPT battery-charging system model in MATLAB under various operating conditions. Key words: MPPT controller, solar panel, battery, charging, load. References: 1. Esram, T., Chapman, P. L. “Comparison of Photovoltaic Array Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques.” IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, 2007. 2. Hohm, D. P., Ropp, M. E. “Comparative Study of Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithms.” Progress in Photovoltaics, 2003. 3. Liu, F., Duan, S., Liu, B., Kang, Y. “A Variable Step Size INC MPPT Method for PV Systems.” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 2008. 4. Ahmed, J., Salam, Z. “A Critical Review on PV MPPT Techniques: Classical and Advanced.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2015. 5. Villalva, M. G., Gazoli, J. R., Filho, E. R. “Comprehensive Approach to Modeling and Simulation of Photovoltaic Arrays.” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 2009. 6. MATLAB & Simulink Documentation: Simscape Electrical / MPPT Examples. MathWorks, 2023. 7. Jain, S., Agarwal, V. “A New Algorithm for Rapid Tracking of Maximum Power Point.” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 2004.