A Global Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm for Photo-Voltaic array with non-uniform insolation

Due to differences in insolation levels caused by shading and different inclination angles, the Photo-Voltaic (PV) panels in the same array could have different power-voltage characteristics. This effect creates a number of peaks in the power-voltage characteristics of the entire array. Conventional Maximus Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques could therefore get trapped in a local maximum rather than tracking the global one. In this paper, a novel Global MPPT (GMPPT) algorithm is proposed to address the discrepancy in PV panels´ outputs. First, the model of PV array with different insolation levels is built to analyze the output characteristics. Second, a GMPPT algorithm is proposed to track the global maximum power point. Finally, simulations in different insolation scenarios are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm.