Matlab/Simulink Modeling to study the effect of partially shaded condition on Photovoltaic array's Maximum Power Point

Abstract

Solar energy is an important source of renewable energy due to the easy access to the source. One drawback in this system is achieving the maximum efficiency of the system. The photovoltaic (PV) cell is the fundamental unit in the power conversion of the solar system. The extracted maximum output power of PV cell reduces when it exposes to partial shading causing remarkable reduction in the efficiency of the system. In this work, PV modules under various shading condition is simulated using Matlab/Simulink. Results show that the power-voltage (PV) characteristic of PV modules exhibit several local maximum power points (MPP) in comparison with unique MPP in case of full insolation causing more complication to the system and a noticeable reduction in the efficiency of the system.