An improved perturb and observe checking algorithm MPPT for photovoltaic system under partial shading condition

Abstract

To have an efficient Photovoltaic (PV) system, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique is essential. Perturb and Observe (P&O) MPPT is not a new algorithm in the field of solar energy; nevertheless, it is said to be the simplest and low cost method for MPPT technique. However, its major drawbacks - steady state oscillation problem and failure to track maximum power point (MPP) under partial shading condition cause the PV system to become less efficient. Thus, this paper proposes a modified P&O MPPT that can be used under partial shading condition efficiently, by adding a simple checking algorithm to the P&O algorithm, in which the global maximum power point (MPP) is tracked first before the P&O algorithm takes place to produce optimum duty cycle for the boost converter. A Simulink model and simulation results from MATLAB/Simulink are also presented.