MPPT Circuit with Analog Control Suitable for Solar Cars

This paper presents a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) circuit composed of analog circuits suitable for solar cars. The MPPT controller circuit, which consists of analog switches and two op-amps achieved precise maximum power point tracking during solar power generation. This MPPT controller circuit was constructed using a small number of CMOS elements, and the circuit of the step-up DC-DC converter achieved a conversion efficiency higher than 98% as well as weight reduction. Eighteen of the proposed MPPT circuits were installed (in serial and in parallel) in a solar car called “2013 Tokai Challenger” at an international competition, and it was shown that it could generate sufficient power supply from solar power.