A new method for solar array maximum power point determining and tracking

The output power of solar arrays is dependent on temperature and light intensity. Solar arrays have low efficiency. To increase the efficiency of photovoltaic systems, the solar array maximum power point tracking is required. The exotic phenomena like clouds, on the solar arrays will provide partial shade in these conditions and voltage curve can be several local maximum points. Conventional methods because they tend to track the maximum power point of the local convergence are not appropriate in partial shade condition. So in this paper, a new method of the maximum power point tracking with the ability to track the global maximum power point is provided. The proposed method is implemented by the microcontroller STM32F407VGT6 and DC/DC buck converter. The circuits are presented to measure temperature and irradiation. Also a comparison between the proposed method and the method of P&O to verify the performance of the proposed method is done. The experimental and simulation results confirm the accuracy of the proposed method.