POWER POINT TRACKING CONTROLLER FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) ARRAY

There is a need for the applications of photovoltaic (PV) system in Malaysia, due to
the rising ofworld oil prices. Malaysia is well endowed with non - renewable and
renewable energy source. Bulk ofour electricity demand is met by the use offossil -
fuel based electrical power plants. TNB's current energy generation mix is
approximately 35% coal, 34.7% natural gas and 18.26% hydro with the remaining
12.1% from oil, gas and diesel for a combined installed capacity of 10481 MW. A
shift towards alternative energy such as solar energy, one of the abundant energy in
Malaysia, is essential. There are many initiatives have been initiated in moving
towards the development of solar energy in Malaysia. Use of PV in harnessing solar
energy to generate electricity is a proven technology, but the utilization ofPV is not
optimized. PV cell is expensive and the efficiency ofPV is relatively low. Agood
tracking system is crucial in order to optimize PV performance in generating
electricity. Thus, inthis project the focus is in designing a system that will track the
sun for better PV performance. Ahybrid tracking system is introduced in this project,
where it consists of two controlling methods. The automatic controller system will
control the motion of the tracker in East - to - West direction, while the manual
system will control North - to - South motion. As a conclusion, this project offers
simple yet practical system that can help to improve the efficiency ofthe PV related
system.