A novel algorithm for global peak power point tracking in partially shaded grid-connected PV system.

Photovoltaic (PV) cell characteristics are highly nonlinear that are affected by varying insolation and temperature condition. In case of uniform insolation condition, the P-V curve shows single maximum power point (MPP), but under partially shaded conditions, the P-V characteristic shows multiple peaks. Therefore, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm should determine the global peak power point avoiding the PV system getting trapped in local peak that gives considerable power loss. This paper proposes a novel fuzzy logic based tracking algorithm to determine global peak point in grid connected PV system under partially shaded condition. The proposed algorithm can track the maximum power point under normal as well as partial shading condition. The algorithm gives fast convergence and very low oscillation around the MPP with less complexity. The simulation results validate the performance and stability of the grid connected PV system using the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]