An Improved and Fast MPPT Algorithm for PV Systems under Partially Shaded Conditions

The use of solar power in some applications is challenging due to sudden changes in irradiance level and the fast occurrence of Partial Shading Condition (PSC). For this reason, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods employed in photovoltaic (PV) applications allow for very fast detection and tracking of the maximum power point (MPP) during a partial shading condition. This fast reaction should minimize the power losses, have minimum steady-state oscillation and be accurate. In this paper, an analytical approach is proposed to track the real MPP in Uniform Irradiance Condition (UIC) and PSC via the use of analytical formulas of the PV system behavior. The proposed method exhibits a rapid tracking speed, stable steady-state performance, and low sampling rate in all conditions. The characteristics and performance of the proposed algorithm under UIC and PSC are investigated and demonstrated through simulations and experimental tests.