WRMAP (undergrad)---
Significant gains in photovoltaic (PV) system efficiency can be realized by way of a maximum power point tracker (MPPT). This form of DC-DC converter ensures a PV module runs at its highest level of efficiency by keeping the operating point of a load (e.g. a battery or motor) at the knee of the PV I-V curve. A MPPT usually comprises of DC-DC converter (buck, boost, or buck-boost) and duty cycle control circuit. The authors have developed and implemented a prototype analog ripple correlation control (RCC) MPPT scheme. RCC is reasonably well grounded within literature and suited to a variety of photovoltaic applications--including traditional standalone remote area power generation, or solar powered car type applications.