MPPT Solar Charge Controller Works

The major principle of MPPT is to extract the maximum available power from PV module by making them operate at the most efficient voltage (maximum power point). That is to say: MPPT checks output of PV module, compares it to battery voltage then fixes what is the best power that PV module can produce to charge the battery and converts it to the best voltage to get maximum current into battery. It can also supply power to a DC load, which is connected directly to the battery. MPPT is most effective under these conditions: • Cold weather, cloudy or hazy days: Normally, PV module works better at cold temperatures and MPPT is utilized to extract maximum power available from them. • 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 MPPT solar charge controller is the charge controller embedded with MPPT algorithm to maximize the amount of current going into the battery from PV module. MPPT is DC to DC converter which operates by taking DC input from PV module, changing it to AC and converting it back to a different DC voltage and current to exactly match the PV module to the battery.
Examples of DC to DC converter are • Boost converter is power converter which DC input voltage is less than DC output voltage. That means PV input voltage is less than the battery voltage in system. • Buck converter is power converter which DC input voltage is greater than DC output voltage. That means PV input voltage is greater than the battery voltage in system. MPPT algorithm can be applied to both of them depending on system design. Normally, for battery system voltage is equal or less than 48 V, buck converter is useful. On the other hand, if battery system voltage is greater than 48 V, boost converter should be chosen. MPPT solar charge controllers are useful for off-grid solar power systems such as stand-alone solar power system, solar home system and solar water pump system, etc.