Maximum power point tracking method under partial shading conditions

The occurrence of multiple local maximum due to partial shading conditions poses a challenge to MPPT techniques. Scanning approach is able to search for global MPPs but incurs power loss during the scanning. This paper presents a strategy that reduces the scanning period by skipping parts of the voltage range. The operating principle is based on the simplified analysis of the PV characteristics. In order to account for rapidly changing atmospheric conditions, real-time MPPT technique is employed between the scanning intervals. Boost converter is developed to experimentally verify the proposed MPPT method under various partial shading conditions.