MATLAB/Simulink modelling of multi-junction PV cell for conversion efficiency improvement using maximum power point tracking method

This research focuses the modelling of multi-junction solar cells (MJSCs) for conversion efficiency improvement considering maximum power point tracking (MPPT) utilizing MATLAB/Simulink software. The conversion efficiency of a single-junction photovoltaic (PV) cell is comparatively low than the MJSCs (GaInP/GaInAs/Ge). The cell conversion efficiency is improved by forming MJSCs, where two or more single junctions are stacked, and higher conversion efficiency is achieved using the MPPT method in MATLAB/Simulink environment to maximize the output power of PV panel. This research considered different parameters of MJSCs, such as lattice matching, bandgap matching, current matching to improve the conversion efficiency. The maximum performance of MJSCs also obtained through the I-V and P-V characteristics by varying different environmental factors, such as temperature and irradiance in MATLAB/Simulink environment. perturb and observe (P&O) MPPT algorithm which is the most suitable for PV applications. Finally, two different Pulse Width Modulation techniques are compared and analyzed with respect to Perturb and observe by applying Quasi Z source inverter (QZSI) within the MATLAB/Simulink environment to enhance the conversion efficiency of triple MJSC.