Improved MPPT Algorithm for Differential Power Processing PV Converters

Partial shading has a negative impact on the extracted power of solar PV systems and significantly reduces the efficiency of solar PV systems. Differential power processing (DPP) architectures have been shown effective in mitigating the power losses and improving the power output through enabling the maximum power point (MPP) operation of each PV module, without the need for processing the entire power output. However, maximum power point tracking is still challenging due to the coupling between converters that causes oscillations resulting in an extracted power reduction. A new MPPT algorithm is proposed in this paper that is fast and able to eliminate the oscillations leading to enhanced power output. The algorithm has the capability to detect the max power level and maintain its operation eliminating the need for continuous perturbation. A comprehensive validation using Simulink is presented which verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm in comparison to existing approaches. Specifically, the proposed algorithm has faster transient response in addition to improved steady state operation.