A new architecture for high efficiency maximum power point tracking in grid-connected photovoltaic system

In the development of grid-connected PV systems, efficiency plays a key role for solar farmers to shorten their capital payoff. Moreover, it is found that the architecture of a grid-connected PV system affects its efficiency greatly. After an overview for kinds of power architectures in grid-connected PV system, multi-string configuration attracts us most attention for its best compromise between efficiency and cost. However, strong anticipation for efficiency improvement continuously drives the development of grid-connected PV system. A new architecture for supper high efficiency maximum power point tracking (MPPT) based on multi-string configuration is proposed in this paper. This new architecture with the compensating concept for MPPT is theoretically developed and a 2.8 kW experimental PV platform is built. Experiment results verified the 99% high efficiency merit of the proposed PV architecture under complex climate condition for whole year operation.