Evaluation of P&O algorithm efficiency under varying conditions for solar powered unmanned aerial vehicle

Kurzfassung

One of the most challenging issues while obtaining constant and maximum power from irradiance for a solar powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is determining the optimal conditions to Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). MPPT is critical for increasing the endurance of solar-powered UAVs. The aim of the study is to compare the operating efficiency of the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm, which is the most preferred MPPT algorithm for UAVs, at 5 km and 25 km altitudes. For this, irradiance and solar cell temperature are used as PV inputs and the efficiency of the MPPT algorithm is calculated in MATLAB/Simulink. It is seen that the P&O algorithm operates with higher efficiency at high altitude, intense irradiance and low solar cell temperature conditions. The result of this study contributes to increased energy efficiency by reliably tracking the maximum power harvested from PV under different atmospheric densities and ambient temperatures, thanks to the P&O algorithm of the UAV flying at different altitudes in practical applications. This article fills a gap in the literature by determining and comparing the operational efficiency of the P&O algorithm at different altitudes for the solar powered High Altitude Platform (HAP), depending on months and ambient conditions.