Impact of partial shading on the output power of PV systems under partial shading conditions

A major challenge in the photovoltaics (PV) systems is to make it energy efficient. Partial shading reduces the energy yield of PV systems and introduces multiple peaks in the P-V characteristics. The maximum power point trackers (MPPTs) work in conjunction with the boost converter and track the global peak in the P-V characteristics. The boost converter used for MPPT is generally designed to operate with high efficiency at the maximum power point (MPP) voltage of the array by assuming a single peak power point on the P-V characteristics. However, the efficiency of the boost converter varies with the input voltage, and the MPP of the load when the converter efficiency is considered is different from the MPP of the PV array. Since the maximisation of power in the load is ultimately desirable, this study focuses on the maximisation of power to the load. The power transferred to load under different shading patterns is analysed and the results of the study are demonstrated through simulation and experimental results.