Maximum Power Extraction from an Optimal PV Array Configuration under various Partial Shading Conditions using MPPT

Photovoltaic power generation is considered the most reliable renewable energy option because of its plentiful availability, environmental friendliness, and minimal maintenance requirements. Partial Shading Conditions induce Mismatching Power losses, due to the formation of hotspots which causes output power reduction from Photovoltaic (PV) arrays. On performance curves i.e., power-voltage(P-V) and current-voltage (I-V), the partial shading also displays several maximum power points (MPP) and non-linearity, making it challenging to track the global maximum power point (GMPP). When PV modules are placed in an array under partial shading conditions, looking at the optimal configuration of the modules during the study enables us to extract the maximum power possible while minimizing the number of power peaks. In this paper, performance of the triple- tied (TT) configuration is compared with total-cross-tied (TCT) solar PV array configuration under various partial shading conditions by considering 7*7 PV array. Four different shading scenarios are considered while evaluating performance of the PV array configurations. The performance analysis is done using the factors such as, efficiency, open circuit voltage, short circuit current, fill factors, voltage and currents at GMPPs and mismatching power losses. Maximum power is extracted from the triple-tied (TT) configuration under various shading conditions for the Standalone PV applications, using the Perturb and Observe algorithm in MPPT controller using the boost converter. The whole system is modelled and simulated in Matlab/Simulink using KC-200GT PV Module.