Performance Evaluation of a PV-Diesel Hybrid Microgrid Using MPPT-Driven Boost Conversion and Power Quality Enhancement

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive performance evaluation of a PV-diesel hybrid microgrid system designed to ensure reliable power delivery and enhanced power quality under dynamic operating conditions. The proposed architecture integrates a Perturb and Observe (P&O) based Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller, a dual-stage boost converter, and a Power Quality Controller (PQC) for effective energy management. The MPPT algorithm ensures optimal extraction of solar energy, while the boost converter regulates the output voltage to match system requirements. The diesel generator serves as a dependable backup source, integrated through AC-DC rectification and a secondary boost stage. A PQC is employed to mitigate harmonic distortion, stabilize voltage fluctuations, and support seamless source transitions. System performance is validated using MATLAB/Simulink simulations under varying load and generation scenarios. Results demonstrate near-zero Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), over 99% voltage regulation, and consistent energy delivery, confirming the system’s suitability for rural electrification, off-grid applications, and environments with high renewable energy penetration.