New and improved hybrid MPPT algorithm for partial shading conditions

Abstract

Renewable energy, particularly solar, can be used to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for fossil fuels for energy generation. However, power output from a photovoltaic (PV) system is not fixed. For a given system design and irradiance, power output varies with voltage and requires a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm to operate the PV system at its global maximum power point (GMPP). By investigating the working principles of the PV cell and various MPPT algorithms, it is shown that conventional MPPT algorithms (those used most widely in industry) often falter when faced with the dynamic environmental factors that PV systems can encounter in practice, such as partial shading conditions (PSC) and rapidly changing irradiance levels. A new and improved Hybrid MPPT algorithm is thus introduced to maximize performance of a PV system under these conditions. The Hybrid Algorithm merges segmentation search methods with an enhanced Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm, aiming to accurately approximate and subsequently pinpoint the GMPP. By comparing the Hybrid Algorithm to the Conventional P&O algorithm, this paper demonstrates the Hybrid Algorithm’s superior accuracy and speed in tracking the GMPP, even in PSC or rapidly changing irradiance levels.