Abstract

In a solar photovoltaic array (SPVA) spread over vast area, it is likely that shadow may fall over some of its cells due to tree leaves falling over it, birds or bird litters on the array, shade of a neighboring construction, passing clouds etc. Under partial shaded conditions the PV characteristics get more complex with multiple peaks. It is important to understand and predict them to get maximum possible power from the SPVA. This paper presents a MATLAB-based modelling and simulation scheme suitable for studying the characteristics of a series connected SPVA under partial shaded conditions. The conventional model is modified to include the effect of shading in the SPV module parameters for simulation study. The simulation of MPPT algorithm to track the global maximum is also presented. The model is practically validated using electronic load.

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