MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracker is algorithm that helps in extracting maximum power from a PV module under certain conditions.
Typical PV module can produce power with a maximum voltage of 17 V. It can also reach 18 V on very cold days.
How MPPT works?
MPPT is a process that aims to extract the maximum power from a PV module. This process does so by making the device operate at the most efficient level.
MPPT output of a PV module is used to determine the best power source to charge the battery. It can also supply DC power to the battery.
MPPT is most effective under these conditions:
Cold weather conditions cause PV modules to work better at extracting maximum power.
When battery is deeply discharged: MPPT can extract more current and charge the battery if the state of charge in the battery is lowers.
MPPT solar charge controller
A solar charge controller is a device that uses the MPPT algorithm to maximize the current going into the battery.
MPPT is a DC to DC converter that uses the input voltage from a solar panel to convert it back to AC. It works seamlessly when converting the AC to DC power.
Examples of DC to DC converter are
DC input voltage is the output voltage of the power converter. This means that the current output voltage is less than the input voltage.
Buck converter is a power supply that convert DC input voltage to AC output voltage. It works by taking advantage of the higher than DC input voltage.
Depending on the system design and battery voltage, MPPT can be utilized for both boost and buck converter.
MPPT solar charge controllers are used for off-grid solar power systems. They are mainly used for stand-alone solar power system or solar home system.
Main features of MPPT solar charge controller
This device is used to detect the variations in the current voltage and charge characteristics of solar cells.
MPPT solar charge controller is essential for any solar power system that needs to extract maximum power from their module.
MPPT solar charge controller allows users to use PV module with a higher voltage output than operating voltage of battery system.
If the PV module is placed far away from the charge controller and battery, its size must be large enough to reduce the voltage drop. With a charge controller, the user can easily wire the module up to 48 or 24 V.
MPPT solar charge controller simplifies the system operation by reducing the complexity of solar charge. It can also control DC-DC converter directly.
MPPT solar charge controller can be applied to other renewable energy sources such as small water turbines, wind-power turbines, etc.