Partial shading detection and global maximum power point tracking algorithm for photovoltaic with the variation of irradiation and temperature

Photovoltaic (PV) technology has been the focus of interest due to its nonpolluting operation and good installation flexibility. Irradiation and temperature are the two main factors which impact the performance of the PV system. Accordingly, when partial shading from surroundings occurs, its incident shadow diminishes the irradiation and reduces the generated power. Since the conventional maximum power point tracking methods (MPPT) could not distinguish the global maximum power of the power-voltage (P-V) characteristic curve, a new tracking method needs to be developed. This paper proposes a global maximum power point tracking method using shading detection and the trend of slopes from each section of the curve. Full mathematical equations and algorithms are presented. Simulations based on real weather data were performed both in short-term and long-term studies. Moreover, this paper also presents the experiment using the DC-DC synchronous and interleaved boost converter. Results from the simulation show an accurate tracking result and the system can enhance the total energy generated by 8.55% compared to the conventional scanning method. Moreover, the experiment also confirms the success of the proposed tracking algorithm.