Authors : Marwan Alasami; Ibrahim Qarni

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yv54bbpw

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/ype46uus

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24JUL1013

Abstract : Photovoltaic (PV) systems are gaining popularity as a sustainable and renewable energy solution. Charge controllers play a crucial role in maximizing the energy harvested from PV panels and ensuring efficient battery charging. This study presents a comprehensive comparison between Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers, analyzing their performance, efficiency, and suitability for different PV system configurations. The analysis begins with an overview of PWM charge controllers, which regulate the charging process by rapidly switching the PV panel voltage on and off. PWM controllers are known for their simplicity, affordability, and reliability. However, their fixed voltage operation limits their ability to extract maximum power from the PV panels, especially in scenarios with varying solar irradiance and temperature conditions. In contrast, MPPT charge controllers employ advanced algorithms to continuously track the maximum power point (MPP) of the PV panels. By dynamically adjusting the operating voltage and current, MPPT controllers can optimize the power transfer from the PV panels to the battery bank. This capability results in higher energy harvesting, especially in situations with partial shading or non-ideal operating conditions.

Keywords : Photovoltaic Systems, Charge Controllers, PWM, MPPT, Maximum Power Point Tracking.

References :

1. Scribd. (n.d.). Types of Solar Charge Controller | PDF | Battery Charger | Solar Panel. [online] Available at: https://www.scribd.com/document/493484836/TYPES-OF-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER [Accessed 28 Jun. 2024].
2. Kar, M.K. and Patra, B.N. (2021). Design and Analysis of MPPT Charge Controller. 2021 International Conference on Simulation, Automation & Smart Manufacturing (SASM). doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/sasm51857.2021.9841218.
3. Blog | SolarSquare. (2022). Everything You Should Know about a PWM Solar Charge Controller. [online] Available at: https://www.solarsquare.in/blog/pwm-solar-charge-controller/#:~:text=A%20PWM%20controller%20works%20by [Accessed 28 Jun. 2024].
4. Anon, (2018). Solar Charge Controller: The Definitive Guide - EnkonnSolar. [online] Available at: https://enkonn-solar.com/solar-charge-controller/.
5. www.facebook.com/elprocus (2014). Solar Charge Controller Types, Working Functionality and Applications. [online] ElProCus - Electronic Projects for Engineering Students. Available at: https://www.elprocus.com/solar-charge-controller/.
6. www.skillstg.co.uk. (2023). How To Install A Solar Panel [A Complete Step-by-Step Guide]. [online] Available at: https://www.skillstg.co.uk/blog/how-to-install-a-solar-panel/.
7. www.anethic.com. (n.d.). What is the difference between PWM and MPPT solar charge controller. [online] Available at: https://www.anethic.com/blog/pwm-and-mppt-solar-charge-controller [Accessed 28 Jun. 2024].