A novel GMPP estimation technique for series parallel connected partially shaded PV array

Abstract

This paper presents a novel generalized model of the PV array, its circuit equation and an algorithm for its global maximum power point (GMPP) estimation in partial shading condition (PSC). A set theory based approach is proposed to develop equations in terms of voltage and current of strings and array of the generalized model of series parallel PV configuration under partial shading condition. Further, a mathematical expression for the iteration voltage is derived based on a generally observed property of local maximum power point (LMPP). The proposed GMPP estimation algorithm converges fast by simultaneous elimination of non-potential sections and subsections of the power-voltage curve of an array. Robustness of the proposed method for GMPP estimation is tested by considering 2000 number of random shading patterns generated by MATLAB for two different PV array. Comparisons with the other existing methods in terms of accuracy and computational time of the GMPP estimation show the competitiveness of the proposed method. Experimental validation of the proposed method is carried out in the laboratory. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method for the GMPP estimation of a PV array under PSC is better and will be helpful for PV professionals.