Current Sensorless MPPT Algorithms for PV Systems with Partial Shading

This manuscript presents current sensorless algorithms for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of partially shaded photovoltaic systems. The need for a current sensor is eliminated by using the mathematical modeling of the power electronics converter. This approach significantly reduces the implementation cost and the inherent drawbacks of the current sensor circuitry. Artificial intelligent MPPT techniques are employed, in addition to the Perturb and Observe - P&O, due to their ability to explore a larger search space. This characteristic is advantageous as it minimizes the risk of converging to local maxima, which is a limitation of traditional techniques. To evaluate the effectiveness of the presented algorithms, global and hybrid ones, comprehensive simulations are carried out in the MATLAB/SIMULINK® environment. These simulations consider dynamic irradiance profiles, yielding a tracking factor (TF) above 99% and a remarkable fast convergence time.