EPE Association: EPE 2005 - Topic 14-5a - DS: Distributed generation and energy storage applications

EPE 2005 - Topic 14-5a - DS: Distributed generation and energy storage applications
You are here: EPE Documents > 01 - EPE & EPE ECCE Conference Proceedings > EPE 2005 - Conference > EPE 2005 - Topic 14: POWER ELECTRONICS IN ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEMS > EPE 2005 - Topic 14-5a - DS: Distributed generation and energy storage applications

   [return to parent folder]

   A COMBINED TWO-METHOD MPPT CONTROL SCHEME FOR GRID-CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
By FREDE Blaabjerg; UFFE Borup; CRISTIAN Dorofte [View]
[Download]

Abstract: In order to increase the output efficiency of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system it is important to have an efficient Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT). In the case of low irradiation, the Perturb and Observe (PO) and Incremental Conductance (IC) methods have a poor efficiency, because of the poor resolution in the acquired signals, when a fixed point implementation is done. A cost-effective two-method MPPT control scheme is proposed in this paper to track the maximum power point (MPP) at both low and high irradiation, by combining a Constant Voltage (CV) method and a modified PO algorithm. Simulation and experimentalresults are presented to verify the performance of the proposed method.

   A New Current Sensorless MPPT Control Method for PV Generation System
By KAZUTAKA Itako [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This paper proposes a new current sensorless maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control for PV generation systems. This control method offers advantages of the simplified hardware configuration and the low cost, by using only one sensor to measure the PV output voltage. Furthermore, its MPPT efficiency is extremely high.

   A NOVEL TECHNIQUE FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING SYSTEM
By NAIK Raghuram; RAI Shantharama; YARAGATTI Udaykumar [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Maximum power point tracking (MPPT),used in photovoltaic(PV) systems to maximize the photovoltaic array output power, irrespective of the temperature and irradiation conditions and of the load characteristics. In this paper a new MPPT system has been proposed consists of newly developed flyback type converter of a flyback transformer for high frequency linkage and synchronous switches for the connection to the AC utility grid and a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller without a current sensor .In this project the generated power of the PV array can be calculated by the equation using the voltage of PV array .The proposed PV power system which consists of two or more inverters ,can get large power than the conventional one, when the PV array is partially shaded by some constructions

   Comparison of Three Phase Current Source Inverters and Voltage Source Inverters Linked with DC to DC Boost Converters for Fuel Cell Generation Systems
By FUCHS Friedric; MOHR Malte [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Three phase current source inverters (CSI) and voltage source inverters linked with a dc to dc boost converter (VSI BC) are appropriate solutions to convert electrical energy for distributed fuel cell generation systems. The performance of CSI’s and VSI BC’s in this application is shown and both topologies are compared to each other concerning their power semiconductor design rating and their semiconductor power losses.

   Control of single-stage single-phase PV inverter
By TEODORESCU Remus; CIOBOTARU Mihai; BLAABJERG Frede [View]
[Download]

Abstract: In this paper the issue of control strategies for single-stage photovoltaic (PV) inverter is addressed. Two different current controllers have been implemented and an experimental comparison between them has been made. A complete control structure for the single-phase PV system is also presented. The main elements of the PV control structure are: - a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) algorithm using the incremental conductance method; - a synchronization method using the phase-locked-loop (PLL), based on delay; - the input power control using the dc voltage controller and power feed-forward; - and the grid current controller implemented in two different ways, using the classical proportional integral (PI) and the novel proportional resonant (PR) controllers. The control strategy was tested experimentally on 1.5 kW PV inverter.

   DESIGN AND CONTROL OF A CURRENT SOURCE FLYBACK INVERTER FOR DECENTRALIZED GRID-CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
By TATAKIS Emmanuel; KYRITSIS Anastasios; KOBOUGIAS Ioannis; PAPANIKOLAOU Nikolaos [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This paper presents a new design and control strategy of the Flyback Inverter for decentralized grid-connected PV systems, in order to achieve high power density, high efficiency, and high power factor regulation. The design and control methodology which are investigated are aiming either to the achievement of a converter with the smallest possible volume for a given power or to the maximization of the power transfer that can be achieved for given converter parameters. The validation of the proposed design and control methodology will be confirmed by experimental results accomplished on a laboratory prototype.

   Design of a Soft-switched Three-port Converter with DSP Control for Power Flow Management in Hybrid Fuel Cell Systems
By KOTSOPOULOS Andrew; TAO Haimin; HENDRIX Marcel; DUARTE Jorge [View]
[Download]

Abstract: A zero-voltage-switched three-port bidirectional converter which is able to handle wide input voltage ranges such as fuel cells and supercapacitors is presented in this paper. The converter consists of three active bridges coupled by a three-winding transformer. A simplified duty cycle control method is introduced to extend the soft-switching range. The system is modeled and a dual-PI-loop control strategy is proposed to achieve regulated output voltage and power flow management. In addition, the soft start-up procedure for the converter is discussed. Simulation and experimental results on a 1 kW prototype verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter and its control strategy.

   Development of a Maximum Power Tracking unit integrated in Wind Turbine Simulator
By REGHEM Pascal; NICHITA Cristian; DAKYO Brayima; EL MOKADEM Mostafa [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The purpose of our work is to study the maximum conversion of the wind power for a wind diesel system with battery storage using a wind turbine simulator (WTS). The maximum power points tracking have been achieved using a step down converter by controlling the output current of the permanent magnet generator (torque control). The current regulator used to achieve this goal is PI one. The regulation uses the PWM technique. The study was developed taking into account the wind speed variations. The complete model of the wind turbine and the PI current regulator were implemented in Matlab-Simulink environment and they were integrated in a WTS. The experimental results were obtained by using National Instruments acquisition station during a lapse of time of 9700 seconds.

   Electrical Energy Source with variable speed Diesel Engine, Controlled by Using the Neural Voltage Regulator
By ARMSTRONG Sara [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This paper proposes a solar emulator to imitate the output of a solar panel and introduces a novel approach to maximum power point tracking (MPPT). It is difficult to analyse the performance of a photovoltaic system, therefore, an emulator circuit which models the solar array under controlled conditions is required. A DC halogen lamp, where the brightness can be adjusted as required, will illuminate a single solar cell. The output of the solar cell is amplified to produce the characteristics of a large solar panel. A new methodology, the Harmonic detection Method (HDM) is investigated which aims to locate the maximum power point by examining the harmonics produced at different locations on the current -voltage characteristic curve.

   Grid Connected Inverter Suitable for Economic Residential Fuel Cell Operation
By BOURBIA Bouneb [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Due to environmental concerns and limited hydrocarbon fuel reserves, R&D effort is being put into alternative energy sources like geothermal, photovoltaic, wave and wind, as well as fuel cells which use hydrogen to generate electricity without increasing pollution.Fuel cells for a residential application, with combined heat and power (CHP), may offer a viable energy source when both thermal and electrical outputs are associated with energy storage. The addition of grid connection improves reliability and offers the option to sell surplus energy when economically justified. A fuel cell has a variable, low voltage dc output requiring a power electronic interface to any energy storage and to ac loads. A simple inverter topology can be adopted based on minimum component count. This paper presents the design, simulation and experimental verification of an economic arrangement utilising an intermediate voltage storage battery and a bidirectional dc/ac interface suitable for domestic ac loads and grid synchronisation. The design was modelled in Matlab/Simulink. An economic model of the fuel cell/battery/grid system, operating in micro-CHP mode, was developed to assess the prospects for commercial exploitation and to characterise the relationship between domestic load profile, fuel cell rating and battery capacity to optimize life time cost. This model assumes natural gas for the fuel cell, as hydrogen infrastructure is not yet available. The economic model results and their interpretation will be the subject of a future publication.

   GRID CONNECTED OR STAND-ALONE REAL-TIME VARIABLE SPEED WIND GENERATOR EMULATOR ASSOCIATED TO A FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
By RADULESCU Mircea; CIMUCA Gabriel; SAUDEMONT Christophe; ROBYNS BenoîT [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The level of penetration increase of dispersed generation in the electrical networks is a major scientific aim: to increase the possibility to participate in the ancillary services, to determine the influence zone according to the network connection point, ...etc. The development of experimental test benches is necessary to validate theoretical studies. In this paper, we present a 3kW test bench, emulating a grid connected or stand-alone real-time variable speed wind generator emulator associated to a flywheel energy storage system.

   Irradiance Equalization Method for Output Power Optimization in Plant Oriented Grid-Connected PV Generators
By VELASCO Guillermo; NEGRONI Juan; GUINJOAN Francesc; PIQUE Robert [View]
[Download]

Abstract: A dynamic interconnection of PV modules based on an irradiance equalization algorithm in Grid-Connected Systems based on a Plant Oriented configuration is presented. The maximum output power at the PV generator level obtained with approach is similar to that obtained in the Module Integrated configuration.

   Modular converter for fuel cell systems with buffer storage
By MEHLICH Heiko; VETTERS Dietmar; LUTZ Josef; BOCKLISCH Thilo; BODACH Mirko; SICKEL Rick [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Fuel cell converters have to control a constant output voltage under condition of variable input voltage. The dynamic load cycle should be reduced to increase lifetime. Both tasks can be solved by a hybrid system converter, consisting of three DC connected controlled DC-DC converter modules for fuel cell, buffer and load.

   Novel AFD Method with Pulsation of Chopping Fraction for Islanding Prevention of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Inverter
By YU Gwonjong; JUNG Youngseok; CHOI Jaeho [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel active frequency drift (AFD) method for the islanding prevention of grid-connected photovoltaic inverter. To detect the islanding phenomenon of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters concerning about the safety hazards and the damage to other electric equipments, many kinds of anti-islanding methods have been presented. Among them, AFD method using chopping fraction (cf) enables the islanding detection to drift up (or down) the frequency of the voltage during the islanding situation. However, the performance of the conventional AFD methods, which have a certain value of cf only, is inefficient and difficult to design the appropriate cf value analytically to meet the limit of harmonics. In this paper, the periodic chopping fraction based on an AFD method is proposed. This proposed method shows the analytical design value of cf to meet the test procedure of IEEE Std. 929-2000 with the power quality and islanding detection time. To verify the validation of the proposed method, the islanding test results are presented. It is confirmed that the proposed method has not only less harmonic distortion but also good performance of islanding detection compare with the conventional AFD method.

   SMALL-SCALE TEST BENCH OF A HYBRID POWER SYSTEM
By VECHIU Ionel; DAKYO Brayima; CAMBLONG Haritza; MARIN David; CUREA Octavian [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The study of behaviour of the hybrid power systems (HPS) for remote areas is one of research axes of our laboratory. Simulink blocks with models corresponding to all the system parts have been developed. Control laws have been implemented to ensure the optimal power retrieval, the system stability and the output power quality. In order to make possible the models and the control laws validation, a small scale HPS (1:100 of power) is under construction. It will be composed of renewable sources (a wind turbine generator and photovoltaic panels), buffer batteries, DC/DC and DC/AC converters, diesel generator and load/faults emulator. For the system development some stages will be necessary. Beginning with a simple starting structure, in every step a part will be added or changed and the system operation will be verified.

   Investigation of the Harmonic Response of a Photovoltaic System with a Solar Emulator
By S. Armstrong; C.K. Lee; W.G. Hurley [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This paper proposes a solar emulator to imitate the output of a solar panel and introduces a novel approach to maximum power point tracking (MPPT). It is difficult to analyse the performance of a photovoltaic system, therefore, an emulator circuit which models the solar array under controlled conditions is required. A DC halogen lamp, where the brightness can be adjusted as required, will illuminate a single solar cell. The output of the solar cell is amplified to produce the characteristics of a large solar panel. A new methodology, the Harmonic detection Method (HDM) is investigated which aims to locate the maximum power point by examining the harmonics produced at different locations on the current -voltage characteristic curve.

EPE 2005 - Topic 14-5a - DS: Distributed generation and energy storage applications
You are here: EPE Documents > 01 - EPE & EPE ECCE Conference Proceedings > EPE 2005 - Conference > EPE 2005 - Topic 14: POWER ELECTRONICS IN ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEMS > EPE 2005 - Topic 14-5a - DS: Distributed generation and energy storage applications
	[return to parent folder]

	A COMBINED TWO-METHOD MPPT CONTROL SCHEME FOR GRID-CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS By FREDE Blaabjerg; UFFE Borup; CRISTIAN Dorofte	[View] [Download]
Abstract: In order to increase the output efficiency of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system it is important to have an efficient Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT). In the case of low irradiation, the Perturb and Observe (PO) and Incremental Conductance (IC) methods have a poor efficiency, because of the poor resolution in the acquired signals, when a fixed point implementation is done. A cost-effective two-method MPPT control scheme is proposed in this paper to track the maximum power point (MPP) at both low and high irradiation, by combining a Constant Voltage (CV) method and a modified PO algorithm. Simulation and experimentalresults are presented to verify the performance of the proposed method.

	A New Current Sensorless MPPT Control Method for PV Generation System By KAZUTAKA Itako	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This paper proposes a new current sensorless maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control for PV generation systems. This control method offers advantages of the simplified hardware configuration and the low cost, by using only one sensor to measure the PV output voltage. Furthermore, its MPPT efficiency is extremely high.

	A NOVEL TECHNIQUE FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING SYSTEM By NAIK Raghuram; RAI Shantharama; YARAGATTI Udaykumar	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Maximum power point tracking (MPPT),used in photovoltaic(PV) systems to maximize the photovoltaic array output power, irrespective of the temperature and irradiation conditions and of the load characteristics. In this paper a new MPPT system has been proposed consists of newly developed flyback type converter of a flyback transformer for high frequency linkage and synchronous switches for the connection to the AC utility grid and a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller without a current sensor .In this project the generated power of the PV array can be calculated by the equation using the voltage of PV array .The proposed PV power system which consists of two or more inverters ,can get large power than the conventional one, when the PV array is partially shaded by some constructions

	Comparison of Three Phase Current Source Inverters and Voltage Source Inverters Linked with DC to DC Boost Converters for Fuel Cell Generation Systems By FUCHS Friedric; MOHR Malte	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Three phase current source inverters (CSI) and voltage source inverters linked with a dc to dc boost converter (VSI BC) are appropriate solutions to convert electrical energy for distributed fuel cell generation systems. The performance of CSI’s and VSI BC’s in this application is shown and both topologies are compared to each other concerning their power semiconductor design rating and their semiconductor power losses.

	Control of single-stage single-phase PV inverter By TEODORESCU Remus; CIOBOTARU Mihai; BLAABJERG Frede	[View] [Download]
Abstract: In this paper the issue of control strategies for single-stage photovoltaic (PV) inverter is addressed. Two different current controllers have been implemented and an experimental comparison between them has been made. A complete control structure for the single-phase PV system is also presented. The main elements of the PV control structure are: - a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) algorithm using the incremental conductance method; - a synchronization method using the phase-locked-loop (PLL), based on delay; - the input power control using the dc voltage controller and power feed-forward; - and the grid current controller implemented in two different ways, using the classical proportional integral (PI) and the novel proportional resonant (PR) controllers. The control strategy was tested experimentally on 1.5 kW PV inverter.

	DESIGN AND CONTROL OF A CURRENT SOURCE FLYBACK INVERTER FOR DECENTRALIZED GRID-CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS By TATAKIS Emmanuel; KYRITSIS Anastasios; KOBOUGIAS Ioannis; PAPANIKOLAOU Nikolaos	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This paper presents a new design and control strategy of the Flyback Inverter for decentralized grid-connected PV systems, in order to achieve high power density, high efficiency, and high power factor regulation. The design and control methodology which are investigated are aiming either to the achievement of a converter with the smallest possible volume for a given power or to the maximization of the power transfer that can be achieved for given converter parameters. The validation of the proposed design and control methodology will be confirmed by experimental results accomplished on a laboratory prototype.

	Design of a Soft-switched Three-port Converter with DSP Control for Power Flow Management in Hybrid Fuel Cell Systems By KOTSOPOULOS Andrew; TAO Haimin; HENDRIX Marcel; DUARTE Jorge	[View] [Download]
Abstract: A zero-voltage-switched three-port bidirectional converter which is able to handle wide input voltage ranges such as fuel cells and supercapacitors is presented in this paper. The converter consists of three active bridges coupled by a three-winding transformer. A simplified duty cycle control method is introduced to extend the soft-switching range. The system is modeled and a dual-PI-loop control strategy is proposed to achieve regulated output voltage and power flow management. In addition, the soft start-up procedure for the converter is discussed. Simulation and experimental results on a 1 kW prototype verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter and its control strategy.

	Development of a Maximum Power Tracking unit integrated in Wind Turbine Simulator By REGHEM Pascal; NICHITA Cristian; DAKYO Brayima; EL MOKADEM Mostafa	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The purpose of our work is to study the maximum conversion of the wind power for a wind diesel system with battery storage using a wind turbine simulator (WTS). The maximum power points tracking have been achieved using a step down converter by controlling the output current of the permanent magnet generator (torque control). The current regulator used to achieve this goal is PI one. The regulation uses the PWM technique. The study was developed taking into account the wind speed variations. The complete model of the wind turbine and the PI current regulator were implemented in Matlab-Simulink environment and they were integrated in a WTS. The experimental results were obtained by using National Instruments acquisition station during a lapse of time of 9700 seconds.

	Electrical Energy Source with variable speed Diesel Engine, Controlled by Using the Neural Voltage Regulator By ARMSTRONG Sara	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This paper proposes a solar emulator to imitate the output of a solar panel and introduces a novel approach to maximum power point tracking (MPPT). It is difficult to analyse the performance of a photovoltaic system, therefore, an emulator circuit which models the solar array under controlled conditions is required. A DC halogen lamp, where the brightness can be adjusted as required, will illuminate a single solar cell. The output of the solar cell is amplified to produce the characteristics of a large solar panel. A new methodology, the Harmonic detection Method (HDM) is investigated which aims to locate the maximum power point by examining the harmonics produced at different locations on the current -voltage characteristic curve.

	Grid Connected Inverter Suitable for Economic Residential Fuel Cell Operation By BOURBIA Bouneb	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Due to environmental concerns and limited hydrocarbon fuel reserves, R&D effort is being put into alternative energy sources like geothermal, photovoltaic, wave and wind, as well as fuel cells which use hydrogen to generate electricity without increasing pollution.Fuel cells for a residential application, with combined heat and power (CHP), may offer a viable energy source when both thermal and electrical outputs are associated with energy storage. The addition of grid connection improves reliability and offers the option to sell surplus energy when economically justified. A fuel cell has a variable, low voltage dc output requiring a power electronic interface to any energy storage and to ac loads. A simple inverter topology can be adopted based on minimum component count. This paper presents the design, simulation and experimental verification of an economic arrangement utilising an intermediate voltage storage battery and a bidirectional dc/ac interface suitable for domestic ac loads and grid synchronisation. The design was modelled in Matlab/Simulink. An economic model of the fuel cell/battery/grid system, operating in micro-CHP mode, was developed to assess the prospects for commercial exploitation and to characterise the relationship between domestic load profile, fuel cell rating and battery capacity to optimize life time cost. This model assumes natural gas for the fuel cell, as hydrogen infrastructure is not yet available. The economic model results and their interpretation will be the subject of a future publication.

	GRID CONNECTED OR STAND-ALONE REAL-TIME VARIABLE SPEED WIND GENERATOR EMULATOR ASSOCIATED TO A FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM By RADULESCU Mircea; CIMUCA Gabriel; SAUDEMONT Christophe; ROBYNS BenoîT	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The level of penetration increase of dispersed generation in the electrical networks is a major scientific aim: to increase the possibility to participate in the ancillary services, to determine the influence zone according to the network connection point, ...etc. The development of experimental test benches is necessary to validate theoretical studies. In this paper, we present a 3kW test bench, emulating a grid connected or stand-alone real-time variable speed wind generator emulator associated to a flywheel energy storage system.

	Irradiance Equalization Method for Output Power Optimization in Plant Oriented Grid-Connected PV Generators By VELASCO Guillermo; NEGRONI Juan; GUINJOAN Francesc; PIQUE Robert	[View] [Download]
Abstract: A dynamic interconnection of PV modules based on an irradiance equalization algorithm in Grid-Connected Systems based on a Plant Oriented configuration is presented. The maximum output power at the PV generator level obtained with approach is similar to that obtained in the Module Integrated configuration.

	Modular converter for fuel cell systems with buffer storage By MEHLICH Heiko; VETTERS Dietmar; LUTZ Josef; BOCKLISCH Thilo; BODACH Mirko; SICKEL Rick	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Fuel cell converters have to control a constant output voltage under condition of variable input voltage. The dynamic load cycle should be reduced to increase lifetime. Both tasks can be solved by a hybrid system converter, consisting of three DC connected controlled DC-DC converter modules for fuel cell, buffer and load.

	Novel AFD Method with Pulsation of Chopping Fraction for Islanding Prevention of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Inverter By YU Gwonjong; JUNG Youngseok; CHOI Jaeho	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This paper proposes a novel active frequency drift (AFD) method for the islanding prevention of grid-connected photovoltaic inverter. To detect the islanding phenomenon of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters concerning about the safety hazards and the damage to other electric equipments, many kinds of anti-islanding methods have been presented. Among them, AFD method using chopping fraction (cf) enables the islanding detection to drift up (or down) the frequency of the voltage during the islanding situation. However, the performance of the conventional AFD methods, which have a certain value of cf only, is inefficient and difficult to design the appropriate cf value analytically to meet the limit of harmonics. In this paper, the periodic chopping fraction based on an AFD method is proposed. This proposed method shows the analytical design value of cf to meet the test procedure of IEEE Std. 929-2000 with the power quality and islanding detection time. To verify the validation of the proposed method, the islanding test results are presented. It is confirmed that the proposed method has not only less harmonic distortion but also good performance of islanding detection compare with the conventional AFD method.

	SMALL-SCALE TEST BENCH OF A HYBRID POWER SYSTEM By VECHIU Ionel; DAKYO Brayima; CAMBLONG Haritza; MARIN David; CUREA Octavian	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The study of behaviour of the hybrid power systems (HPS) for remote areas is one of research axes of our laboratory. Simulink blocks with models corresponding to all the system parts have been developed. Control laws have been implemented to ensure the optimal power retrieval, the system stability and the output power quality. In order to make possible the models and the control laws validation, a small scale HPS (1:100 of power) is under construction. It will be composed of renewable sources (a wind turbine generator and photovoltaic panels), buffer batteries, DC/DC and DC/AC converters, diesel generator and load/faults emulator. For the system development some stages will be necessary. Beginning with a simple starting structure, in every step a part will be added or changed and the system operation will be verified.

	Investigation of the Harmonic Response of a Photovoltaic System with a Solar Emulator By S. Armstrong; C.K. Lee; W.G. Hurley	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This paper proposes a solar emulator to imitate the output of a solar panel and introduces a novel approach to maximum power point tracking (MPPT). It is difficult to analyse the performance of a photovoltaic system, therefore, an emulator circuit which models the solar array under controlled conditions is required. A DC halogen lamp, where the brightness can be adjusted as required, will illuminate a single solar cell. The output of the solar cell is amplified to produce the characteristics of a large solar panel. A new methodology, the Harmonic detection Method (HDM) is investigated which aims to locate the maximum power point by examining the harmonics produced at different locations on the current -voltage characteristic curve.