A robust, self-calibrating model for Maximum Power Point tracking and Hot Spot Suppression

Hot Spot Suppression (HSS) [1] is a method to control a PV module that eliminates the need for bypass diodes but requires a pre-calibrated PV model and a back skin temperature sensor per PV module. This paper describes a new self-calibrated PV model that needs only generic information about the PV module and no integrated temperature sensor. The model adapts to light and temperature variations and is used to control Maximum Power Point (MPP) and to define the protection regions for HSS. Theoretical and experimental results show this new model is more accurate than previous temperature based models and is faster than best case Perturb and Observe method while using standard PV module.