ABSTRACT
The electrical power supplied by a photovoltaic (pv) generator depends on solar irradiance intensity, ambient temperature and load requirement. In order to maximize the transfer of electrical power, the electrical load must be such that its current–voltage (I–V) characteristics curve intercepts the pv generator I–V curve as close to the maximum-power point as possible. Some others cannot be operated without an additional matching device called an adaptor of impedance or dc–dc converter. This device has two functions: the tracking of the maximum-power point and the transfer of power to the load. A dc–dc converter with 85% efficiency has been developed and tested with a locally made positive-displacement pump. The dc–dc converter efficiency depends on the technology used in its design. The system can be improved by using a more sophisticated maximum–power point tracking.
