A sliding mode control based maximum power point tracking method of PV arrays under partially shaded conditions

Aiming at the multi peak phenomenon in the output power characteristic curve of photovoltaic (PV) array under partially-shaded conditions, this paper addresses a new global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT) method based on sliding mode control (SMC). First, the output power characteristic curve of the PV array is scanned and the global maximum power point (GMPP) is stored at the same times. The SMC is introduced in this process, which greatly reduces the scanning time. Then the SMC based MPPT (SMC-MPPT) method is adopted to quickly stabilize the the operating point of the PV array at the GMPP, reducing the power fluctuations during steady-state operation. Simulation results validate that the proposed method can track the GMPP with good dynamic response performance under partially shaded conditions, reducing the power loss of the whole tracking process.