• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.156-164
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• 2014

The power-voltage (P-V) characteristic of a photovoltaic (PV) array is nonlinear and time varying with the change in atmospheric conditions. As a result, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique must be applied in PV systems to maximize the generated energy. The incremental conductance (INC) algorithm, one of the MPPT strategies, is widely used for its high tracking accuracy, good adaptability to rapidly changing atmospheric conditions, and easy implementation. This paper presents a modified asymmetrical variable step size INC MPPT method that is based on the asymmetrical feature of the P-V curve. Compared with conventional fixed or variable step size method, the proposed method can effectively improve tracking accuracy and speed. The theoretical foundation and design principle of the proposed approach are validated by the simulation and experimental results.