A vectorial MPPT algorithm for distributed photovoltaic applications

In this paper a novel multi variable maximum power point tracking algorithm is introduced. The method is suitable for distributed photovoltaic applications and, in contrast with the concept of using a power optimizer for each module working independently from the others, the architecture used in this paper is based on the adoption of a centralized controller for distributed DC/DC converters. The technique uses a vectorial control of the converters that perturbs the operating points of all the DC/DC converters at one time and observes the power transferred to the DC link. Simulation results confirm that the proposed technique performs better than other multi variable controls presented in recent literature.