Experimental comparison of MPPT methods for PV systems under dynamic partial shading conditions

Solar energy is one of the most popular kinds of renewable energy sources. The efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) system depends on many factors. One of them is the maximum power point tracker (MPPT) method implemented in the control unit. In practice, PV generators are often partially shaded or dynamically shaded by many kinds of objects. In these conditions it is difficult to find the maximum power point (MPP) on the P-V curve because of many local maxima, and the MPPT method performance may decrease. This paper presents a comparative study on seven commonly used MPPT methods under dynamic partial shading conditions. The experimental system was designed using a boost DC-DC converter, a monocrystalline PV module, a dsPIC-based control unit and a motorized linear guide. The results of the outdoor tests show that the Perturb and Observe (P&O) method have the best performances under dynamic partial shading conditions.