Performance investigation of PV array under partial shading conditions with static array configuration and MPPT

The performance assessment of a photovoltaic (PV) system in the partial shading conditions becomes essential to analyze the PV system for real-life applications. Under the present study, the performance of photovoltaic system under different partial shading conditions are investigated. The performance of different static array configurations of photovoltaic systems has been analyzed. A TCT (Total Cross Tied) configured static PV array has been found to enhance the output power to 1.14 kW with a bypass diode. Hence, the TCT configured static PV array configuration is connected with the MPPT controller. Multiple peaks in the characteristics curve under partial shading makes a challenging task for the control algorithm to find the global maximum power point (GMPP). Therefore, the MPPT strategy involves social learning differential evolution (SLDE), which considerably improves the tracking capability by the implementation of an inspection strategy. Change in different shading scenarios and load variations are considered to evaluate the performances of the proposed MPPT algorithm. The response of the investigated shading scenarios is validated in the MATLAB/Simulink environment as well as through physical experimentation. Based on the experimental results, it is found that the convergence time for tracking the GMPP is within 1.5 s and efficiency is more than 99%, which is reduced due to the use of considered MPPT strategy with an inspection strategy. There are no oscillations observed as the GMPP is achieved. Based on the obtained results, it is also observed that the considered methodology is also sensitive to load and shading scenario change.