Comprehensive Review of Conventional and Emerging Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithms for Uniformly and Partially Shaded Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

Renewable energy utilization is the only suitable solution to diminish the increasing level of greenhouse gas emissions, fuel costs, and energy crisis in the next generation. Out of many renewable sources, solar energy sources that are clean, green, and emission-free have gained wide utilization despite their intermittency nature. Several solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are connected in series-parallel to achieve the energy demand. In such a system, it is possible that each panel operates differently due to uneven temperature and irradiation that results in uniform and partial shading conditions. Thus, a unique and efficient mechanism is required to extract maximum power from uniformly and partially shaded PV systems. Numerous maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods have been developed to increase the efficiency and lifetime of photovoltaic systems. This study provides a unique, in-depth, and organized review of MPPT methods under four categories: classical, intelligent, optimization, and hybrid techniques. All possible selection benchmarks are considered to do a comprehensive review, which is not deliberated in the existing review literature. Based on the selection benchmarks, the advantages and disadvantages of each MPPT technique under different categories are summarized in tabulated form. To address the research gaps for further investigation in this field, a concise discussion is included at the end. This review article may find an accessible reference for engineers to understand the most useful MPPT method and to undertake extensive research in PV systems.