Analysis of PV power plant performance considering combination of different MPPT algorithms, shading patterns and connection types

Abstract

The effeteness of MPPT algorithms is deteriorated by having more Maximum Power Points (MPPs) on the characteristics of the PV array. The number of MPPs can increase with the different connection types of PV panels and the pattern of partial shading, and it also changes the P–V (Power–Voltage) characteristics of the panel. Therefore, it is important to consider different combinations of algorithms, connection types and partial shading patterns for an effective PV plant design. This study assesses the performance of a PV power plant including a 5 × 5 PV array by considering eight different connection types, six partial shading conditions (PSCs), and three well-known MPPT algorithms, all together, on the TMS320F28335 DSP platform. The obtained results and analyses show that the TCT (Total Cross Tied) connection type has higher performance than the other connection types under all PSCs with an average of 25.98% Mismatched Loss (ML), 54.3% Fill Factor (FF) and 13.45% efficiency (η). As for the shading patterns, the Diagonal (DG) pattern has less effect on the system’s ML and FF values, and the Long Wide (LW) pattern is less effective in reducing system η. Regarding the algorithms, it has been proven that the performance of a PV system using the simplest form of the basic algorithms can reach the performance of the system using complex algorithms when the connection type is well-adjusted according to the shading patterns. Overall, the given analyses and results prove the significance of taking into account the combination of different MPPT algorithms, types of panel connections, and partial shading patterns to enhance PV system power efficiency and reduce the complexity of PV power plant installations.

Keywords

• Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
• Partial shading pattern
• Photovoltaic (PV)
• PV power plant
• Connection type
• Solar energy