Hybrid global maximum power point tracking approach for photovoltaic power optimisers

Abstract

A new hybrid global maximum power point (MPP) tracking (MPPT) method is introduced in this study by using an improved 0.8V(OC) model-based algorithm containing a smart power scanning procedure which is based on the sign of a change of photovoltaic (PV) module power. By courtesy of this procedure, the global MPP is determined effectively and within a small scanning time interval. The effectiveness of the proposed global MPPT algorithm has been validated by experimental studies. One of the buck-boost converter types, a single-ended primary inductance converter was implemented in this context. Experimental results show that tracking efficiency in the proposed algorithm is very satisfactory since blind scanning is prevented. Furthermore, it is presented in the experimental results that tracking efficiency is bigger in the proposed shading detection approach by up to 11.29% than the other technique which monitors voltage and current variations. In addition, there are no high software and hardware burdens which make this MPPT algorithm applicable especially in the smart alternating current module, module-integrated converters, PV power optimisers, and module level distributed MPPT applications.