Modeling and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for PV array under partial shade conditions

Influenced by partial shade, PV module aging or fault, there are multiple peaks on PV array's output power-voltage (P-V) characteristic curve. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are effective for single peak P-V characteristic under uniform solar irradiation, but they may fail in global MPP tracking under multi-peak P-V characteristics. Existing methods in literature for this problem are still unsatisfactory in terms of effectiveness, complexity and speed. In this paper, we first analyze the mathematical model of PV array that is suitable for simulation of complex partial shade situation. Then an adaptive MPPT (AMPPT) method is proposed, which can find real global maximum power point (MPP) for different partial shade conditions. When output characteristic of PV array varies, AMPPT will adjust tracking strategies to search for global peak area (GPA). Then it is easy for conventional MPPT to track the global MPP in GPA. Simulation and experimental results verify that the proposed AMPPT method is able to find real global MPP accurately, quickly and smoothly for complex multi-peak P-V characteristics. Comparison analysis results demonstrate that AMPPT is more effective for most shade types. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.