Design and Development of a Solar-Powered SMPS Battery Charger with MPPT for Efficient Energy Extraction under Variable Environmental Conditions
Keywords:
Solar Energy, Photovoltaic (PV) System, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS), DC–DC Converter, Battery Charger, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)Abstract
This paper presents the design and development of a solar-powered switched-mode power supply (SMPS) battery charger integrated with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for efficient energy extraction under variable environmental conditions. The proposed system architecture incorporates a photovoltaic (PV) module as the primary energy source, supported by environmental sensing units that monitor solar irradiance and temperature in real time. These inputs enable the MPPT controller, implemented using Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Incremental Conductance algorithms, to continuously track and operate the PV system at its maximum power point, thereby maximizing energy utilization.
A microcontroller-based control unit processes sensor data and generates pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals to regulate a DC–DC converter configured as an SMPS. This ensures efficient voltage conversion and stable power delivery to the battery charging unit. The system employs a constant current–constant voltage (CC–CV) charging technique to achieve safe, reliable, and optimized battery charging while extending battery lifespan. Voltage and current sensors provide continuous feedback for closed-loop control, enhancing system responsiveness and accuracy.
The harvested energy is stored in rechargeable batteries, which supply power to low-power loads such as portable electronics and IoT devices during periods of low or no solar availability. Additionally, a monitoring and data logging module records system performance metrics, including efficiency, response time, and tracking accuracy, enabling detailed analysis and optimization. Experimental evaluation under varying irradiance and temperature conditions demonstrates that the proposed system achieves improved energy conversion efficiency, faster MPPT response, and enhanced reliability compared to conventional solar charging systems. Overall, the proposed architecture offers a cost-effective, scalable, and energy-efficient solution for sustainable low-power applications.
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