Development of an autonomous distributed maximum power point tracking PV system

This paper presents the development of an autonomous distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) photovoltaic (PV) system which can compensate the shading effect and the PV module mismatching as well as to increase the overall output power. The four-switch buck-boost converter (FSBBC) with three operation modes is adopted to realize the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) function for each PV module. Because of the series-connected configuration, the FSBBC with low rating devices and low voltage conversion ratio can achieve the low cost and high efficiency autonomous DMPPT PV system. The start-up procedure and protection functions are well-developed for the success of the system operation. Computer simulations and prototype circuit experimental results are presented to verify the performance of the autonomous DMPPT PV system.