Design and Simulation of a Cost-Effective MPPT Solar Charge Controller Using a Ćuk Converter with IoT-Based Monitoring

Description

The ongoing electricity crisis in Gaza Strip has significantly increased the reliance on photovoltaic (PV) systems as an alternative energy source. However, the high cost of commercial Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers and the widespread use of direct battery charging without regulation have resulted in severe efficiency losses and battery damage. This project presents the analysis and design of a cost-effective and high-efficiency MPPT solar charge controller based on the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm implemented using a Ćuk DC/DC converter topology. The proposed system aims to maximize power extraction from a 265W PV module under varying environmental conditions, particularly changes in solar irradiance and temperature. A comprehensive modeling of the PV module was carried out using the single-diode equivalent circuit in both MATLAB/Simulink and Proteus environments. The MPPT controller dynamically adjusts the duty cycle of the Ćuk converter to ensure operation at the Maximum Power Point (MPP), thereby improving overall energy harvesting efficiency. The Ćuk converter was selected due to its continuous input and output current characteristics, reduced ripple, and enhanced electromagnetic compatibility compared to conventional buck–boost converters. Detailed design calculations for inductors, capacitors, switching frequency, and control parameters were performed to balance performance, cost, and system stability. Simulation results demonstrate effective tracking performance under different irradiation levels (1000 W/m² and 500 W/m²) and temperatures (25°C and 45°C), confirming stable operation and significant improvement in power extraction. Furthermore, the system integrates IoT capabilities using ESP32 and Open Meteo API to enable real-time monitoring of PV performance, battery status, and environmental conditions through cloud-based platforms. The proposed design offers a practical and economically feasible solution tailored to Gaza’s conditions, contributing to sustainable energy utilization and enhanced reliability of small-scale standalone PV systems