Enhanced Maximum Power Point Techniques for Solar Photovoltaic System under Uniform Insolation and Partial Shading Conditions: A Review

Abstract

In the recent past, the solar photovoltaic (PV) system has emerged as the most promising source of alternative energy. This solar PV system suffers from an unavoidable phenomenon due to the fluctuating environmental conditions. It has nonlinearity in I-V curves, which reduces the output efficiency. Hence, the optimum maximum power point (MPP) extraction of the PV system is difficult to achieve. Therefore, for maximizing the power output of PV systems, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mechanism, which is a control algorithm that can constantly track the MPP during operation, is required. However, choosing a suitable MPPT technique might be confusing because each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Hence, a proper review of these methods is essential. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review on various MPPT techniques based on their classifications, such as offline, online, and hybrid techniques under uniform and nonuniform irradiances, is presented. In comparison to offline and online MPPT methods, intelligent MPPT techniques have better tracking accuracy and tracking efficiency with less steady state oscillations. Unlike online and offline techniques, intelligent methods track the global MPP under partial shade conditions. This review paper will be a useful resource for researchers, as well as practicing engineers, to pave the way for additional research and development in the MPPT field.