An Online Scanning Method to Detect the Output Characteristics of Photovoltaic Panels

This article proposes an online scanning technique to detect the output characteristics of a photovoltaic (PV) panel. This innovative technology, presented as a power electronic circuit, provides several advantages such as detecting the partial shading occurrence, estimating the global maximum power point, and noticing the malfunction of PV inverters. In addition, it can be used beside the maximum power point tracking algorithm to decrease its tracking time especially in uncertain climate conditions. The scanning procedure can be completed in two phases namely the right-hand side and the left-hand side scanning of the operating point. The proposed scanning method is conducted through applying a voltage across an inductor located between the PV panel and the terminal capacitor. This converter can be used in an online manner to scan the electrical characteristics of a PV system. Thus, contrary to the traditional methods, the scanning converter does not interfere the operation of PV system. Furthermore, the proposed method does not have detrimental impacts on the terminal electrolytic capacitor of the PV panel leading to a long lifespan of the PV inverter. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed technology, simulated and experimental results are brought under different solar irradiation patterns.