The Impact of Reconfiguration on the Energy Performance of the Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking Approach in PV Plants

Abstract

The following two approaches can address the drawbacks associated with mismatching phenomena in photovoltaic (PV) plants: distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) architecture and reconfigurable PV array architecture. Until now, these two approaches have represented alternative solutions. In this paper, for the first time, it is suggested that the two approaches can be used together. In particular, it will be shown how the joint adoption of the DMPPT and reconfiguration approaches can improve the performances of mismatched PV plants; here, performance is understood as the best compromise between the efficiency and reliability of the entire PV system. Numerical results confirm the above assumptions, providing the hints for the development of innovative reconfiguration techniques suitable for distributed applications.

Buck-based DMPPT emulator: a helpful experimental demonstration unit

“…The above considerations have general validity since, as shown in [38]- [40], they do not depend on the size of PV system and/or on the type of the used DC/DC converters such as Buck, Boost and Buck-Boost. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted the possibility to combine the DMPPT and reconfiguration approaches as a powerful strategy for increasing the efficiency of PV systems [41]. This means that the opportunities offered by the DMPPT approach are still to be explored.…”

“…In particular, when mismatching conditions occur, due to clouds, shadows, dirtiness and/or different orientation of PV modules etc., the commonly used grid-connected PV systems, made of string of PV modules connected in parallel and feeding a central inverter (Figure 1), are ineffective [1]- [8]. Various Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control techniques have been proposed in the literature to track the MPP and force the system to work at the MPP point, including high-performance MPPT techniques [9]- [19], reconfiguration architectures and algorithms, [20]- [29] and Distributed MPPT (DMPPT) approach [30]- [41]. Among of all these techniques, the DMPPT (Figure 2) is by far the most promising solution to enhance the reduced energetic performance of mismatched PV systems [30]- [41].…”

“…Various Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control techniques have been proposed in the literature to track the MPP and force the system to work at the MPP point, including high-performance MPPT techniques [9]- [19], reconfiguration architectures and algorithms, [20]- [29] and Distributed MPPT (DMPPT) approach [30]- [41]. Among of all these techniques, the DMPPT (Figure 2) is by far the most promising solution to enhance the reduced energetic performance of mismatched PV systems [30]- [41]. Differently from the Centralized approach of Figure 1, DMPPT uses a MPPT Module Dedicated DC/DC Converter realizing the MPPT for each PV module.…”

High-Power Closed-Loop SMPC-Based Photovoltaic System Characterization under Varying Ambient Conditions

“…The circuit of the damped input filter is shown in Figure 2. With damping, the input filter transfer function modifies to (7).…”

“…PV characterization is also being applied for reliability studies of PV systems to map the effect of outdoor soiling and shading [5,6]. Recent examples show the use of PV characterization for important design decisions such as the use of reconfigurable PV systems or the need for distributed maximum power point tracking under shading conditions [7,8].…”