Global maximum power point tracking of a PV system MPPT control under partial shading

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to control a photovoltaic (PV) generation system under partial shading conditions connected to the grid. The PV generator is connected to the grid through a Grid Side Converter (GSC). In fact, the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is achieved by using the intelligent algorithm for finding the Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP). This algorithm combines a traditional MPPT technique based on Perturb and Observe (P& O) with the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique. A hybrid MPPT algorithm is based on the ANN and used to predict the global maximum power point region. Consequently, the (perturb and observe) technique searches for the Maximum Power Point (MPP) in the predicted region. The GSC is controlled in system a way to guarantee a smooth DC voltage with a unity power factor at the grid side. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the control strategies applied to the studied system.