An enhanced P&O checking algorithm MPPT for high tracking efficiency of partially shaded PV module

Abstract

This paper presents the impact of partial shading to the PV system and proposes an enhanced Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm with a checking algorithm. This checking algorithm compared all existed peaks on the PV curve to clarify the global maximum power point (GMPP). The boost converter duty cycle is calculated using voltage at MPP (VMPP), identified through a variable step size P&O algorithm. The major advantages of this method are low-cost, simple and accurate. The PV power and voltage rating used for this paper are 42 W and 17 V respectively. Boost converter is used to boost the PV voltage twice for the load. Two different methodologies have been done which were a simulation model using MATLAB/Simulink and hardware implementation using Arduino Mega 2560. Both simulation and hardware results indicated that the proposed algorithm provided excellent efficiency of 99.96% and 99.86% respectively. The proposed algorithm improved the conventional P&O MPPT tracking efficiency by more than 16% during partial shading condition. On the other hand, the system with conventional P&O MPPT seems unstable and produced higher percentage of error. Plus, the boost converter efficiency also provided more than 70% in both conditions. In summary, the proposed method is useful for solar PV in any irradiation condition with high efficiency of the system.