A new maximum power point tracking strategy for PV arrays under uniform and non-uniform insolation conditions

This paper presents a new maximum power point tracking method based on the current–voltage characteristic of photovoltaic arrays. The new approach is not only capable to track the maximum power point like the conventional methods under uniform insolation conditions, but also capable to find the global maximum power point efficiently and rapidly under partially shaded conditions. The proposed algorithm could find a new MPP quickly when a sudden change occurs in the insolation level. To verify the performance of the proposed method, several simulations have been carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Experimental investigations have also been performed to confirm the validity of simulation results.

► A new MPPT method based on the I–V characteristic of photovoltaic arrays is proposed.
► This method works correctly in both uniform and non-uniform insolation conditions.
► The proposed algorithm does not need to track the entire of a P–V curve to find global peak.
► An analytic condition was derived for quick determination of partially shaded conditions.
► The convergent speed of new algorithm is almost high and it has a simple structure.