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Partial shading conditions can cause low output power, hotspots, and a reduced lifespan in photovoltaic arrays. Interconnection (IC) and differential power processing (DPP) can be used to mitigate these effects. When individually applied to an array, these techniques can significantly increase the generated power. A few authors studied the combined use of these schemes under specific conditions such as large-scale arrays or a complex combination of several techniques, making it difficult to identify the individual contribution of each technique. Here, we aimed to determine whether the combined use of a switching-inductor DPP circuit and a total-cross-tied interconnection scheme presents better performance than each standalone technique, using a small-scale photovoltaic array. An array was tested using IC, DPP, and a combination of both techniques, and the array was subjected to 13 shading patterns and two irradiance levels. The performance in each case was assessed using maximum output power, performance ratio, mismatch power loss, and power enhancement indicators. The results showed that a standalone differential power processing circuit presents better performance than when it is combined with an interconnection. The DPP showed performance ratio values of up to 97%, mismatch power losses lower than 36.9%, and a power enhancement of up to 95.9%. The standalone interconnection shows the worst performance among the three techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current landscape of renewable energy systems, optimizing the performance of power electronic converters is crucial for ensuring reliability. Within the realm of direct current (DC)–DC power converter systems, the differential power processing (DPP) converter holds promise. However, realizing its full potential requires meticulous system design, especially in response to varying solar irradiation levels. Poor design can result in performance degradation, leading to system damage and voltage instability due to sudden irradiation fluctuations. To address these challenges, this study investigates the performance optimization of a DPP converter enhanced with a modified switched inductor, tailored for solar photovoltaic applications. To overcome traditional control strategy limitations, we propose an innovative enhanced fuzzy logic controller (E-FLC). This controller's strength lies in its dynamic adaptability, achieved through variable duty cycle control, input parameters, membership functions, and output responses. This paper emphasizes methodological precision, particularly in applying the E-FLC to the modified switched inductor. The use of this controller significantly improves both steady-state and transient response performance compared to traditional switched inductors. It rigorously analyzes the responses of the DPP converter under steady-state and transient conditions, with and without the modified switched inductor. This analytical approach sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of photovoltaic systems. The core innovation driving this research is the adoption of the E-FLC, which outperforms the commonly used proportional–integral (PI) controller in steady-state performance and transient response characteristics. This paper goes beyond conventional converter optimization studies by introducing a holistic approach encompassing system dynamics, control strategy innovation, and performance evaluation. The proposed E-FLC represents a methodological breakthrough and a substantial improvement in converter efficiency and reliability. As renewable energy continues to reshape the global energy landscape, this research sets a new standard for harnessing the true capabilities of power electronic converters in solar photovoltaic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial shading is a prevalent phenomenon with a substantial impact on PV system performance. Various techniques, such as maximum power tracking (MPPT), PV module interconnection, and power electronics-based schemes, have been employed to address these challenges at both the module level and the submodule level. Existing methods face limitations related to the cost of hardware and the complexity of control systems. These limitations hinder the widespread application of current solutions. Also, Module-level techniques though simple and economical provide limited granularity. The choice between these techniques involves a trade-off between complexity, cost, adaptability, and the specific characteristics of the PV system and its operating environment.This paper presents a new hybrid submodule-level partial shading mitigation scheme based on TCT interconnection and differential power processing. The proposed system, emphasizing its role in enhancing overall PV system performance offers a cost-effective, and easy-to-control solution. To compare and validate the performance of proposed hybrid architecture, a practically installed single-phase grid tied central inverter 3 kW residential PV system is considered. This practical PV system is modified to hybrid architecture and the performance parameters such as power generation, mismatch power loss, fill factor, power conversion efficiency and power improvement calculated for different operating conditions. The results show that the modified conventional PV system mitigate the mismatch issue effectively and improves the output performance for any operating condition

Partial shading conditions can cause low output power, hotspots, and a reduced lifespan in photovoltaic arrays. Interconnection (IC) and differential power processing (DPP) can be used to mitigate these effects. When individually applied to an array, these techniques can significantly increase the generated power. A few authors studied the combined use of these schemes under specific conditions such as large-scale arrays or a complex combination of several techniques, making it difficult to identify the individual contribution of each technique. Here, we aimed to determine whether the combined use of a switching-inductor DPP circuit and a total-cross-tied interconnection scheme presents better performance than each standalone technique, using a small-scale photovoltaic array. An array was tested using IC, DPP, and a combination of both techniques, and the array was subjected to 13 shading patterns and two irradiance levels. The performance in each case was assessed using maximum output power, performance ratio, mismatch power loss, and power enhancement indicators. The results showed that a standalone differential power processing circuit presents better performance than when it is combined with an interconnection. The DPP showed performance ratio values of up to 97%, mismatch power losses lower than 36.9%, and a power enhancement of up to 95.9%. The standalone interconnection shows the worst performance among the three techniques.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems continue to be the most prevalent renewable energy resource despite the presence of numerous limitations. A power discrepancy between PV modules on a large scale may result in power dissipation throughout the entire PV system. This particular paper proposes an efficient multi-port converter for distributed maximum power point tracking operation (D-MPPT) for a solar PV system. The operation details of the proposed multi-port converter along with analytical waveforms are presented in this paper. To implement the D-MPPT approach in the proposed multi-port converter, a detailed analysis of mathematical modeling of solar PV systems with a mismatch of PV power and voltage stabilization approach is done. In addition, the proposed approach eliminates the need for additional current sensors and semiconductor components to overcome the effect of mismatched power in the PV system. To validate this, the prototype has been built and integrated with the real environment of the solar PV system. To verify the operation, a detailed simulation study and experimental investigation have been carried out and presented in this paper which reveals that the proposed system offers 24% improved power extraction compared to the centralized converter and MPPT method under partially shaded conditions. After a detailed investigation and discussion of measured results and analysis, it is concluded that the proposed multi-port DC-DC converter is the most suitable solution for solar PV applications.