Quadratic adjustment with vertex convergence: An alternative algorithm for maximum power point tracking in photovoltaic modules

In this article it is presented a new algorithm for the tracking of the maximum power point (PMP) in a photovoltaic module. The algorithm Quadratic Adjustment with Vertex Convergence bases its functioning on successive calculations on vertexes of parabolas that will approximate to the point where the photovoltaic system outputs the maximum power. The convergence is reached when the vertex of the last calculated parabola coincides with the maximum power operating point. This method presents a better answer to other methods such as Open Voltage and Perturb and Observe. Its use is an alternative to the method of Incremental Conductance. The new algorithm presents, as an advantage over the other algorithms, a smoother track of the changes in the solar radiation which helps to avoid perturbations on the power output, allows to calculate directly the PMP and, define a collection of neighbor values with a quadratic equation around this point.