Maximum Power Point Tracking Topology, sensor and switch design

Abstract

The Nuna 6 is a solar racing vehicle that solely relies on solar energy from the sun. Every year, the team seeks ways to improve the performance of their car. One way to improve the performance is to maximize the power output of the solar panels on top of the car. Maximizing the power output can be done with a 'Maximum Power Point Tracker'. The aim of this thesis was to develop an improved, distributed 'Maximum Power Point Tracking'-system which optimizes the power efficiency of the solar panel array of the Nuna 6 solar racing vehicle. To prove that the proposed distributed topology is more power effificient when compared to a central tracking topology, simulations of the total Nuna 6 electrical system were performed. Based on the simulation results, together with Nuna 6 specifications, a DC-DC boost converter was designed. Validation of the design was done by simulation with the Nuna 6 model. After validation, a breadboard proof-of-concept was built. The proof-of-concept was successfully tested and compared with earlier simulations. The system design process was evaluated and recommendations for further study and future real-life implementations were formulated. The simulation results prove that the proposed distributed tracking system is as much as 40% more efficient in large insolation differences and 10% in small insolation differences. The system excels when insolation differs, however it is slightly less efficient when used with equal insolation on every panel. The developed proof of concept demonstrates a functioning maximum power point tracker and DC-DC boost converter. The power efficiency of the boost converter was found to be between 95:8% and 98:5%, with an efficiency of 97:1% for the rated input power of 200W.