Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for PV Systems using Partially Shaded Conditions

The performance of a photovoltaic (PV) array is affected by temperature, solar insulation, shading, and array configuration. Often, the PV arrays get shadowed, completely or partially, by the passing clouds, neighboring buildings and towers, trees, and utility and telephone poles. Under partially shaded conditions, the PV characteristics get more complex with multiple peaks. This makes the tracking of the actual maximum power point (MPP) a difficult task. In this paper, a simple technique of MPPT is presented for photovoltaic power generation system to solve the aforementioned problems. It realizes simple control system to track the real maximum power point even under non-uniform or for rapidly changing insulation conditions. The proposed technique in the first stage searches the I-V characteristic of the PV arrays by scanning the whole range. Simulation and some selected experimental results are presented to prove the feasibility of the proposed technique.