Single input multi output converter based partial shading mitigation in solar photovoltaic systems

One significant factor that influences the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems is partial shading. When PV modules experience partial shading, they encounter mismatch losses that result in reduced power output. To address this issue, this study introduces a current injection technique utilizing a single input and multiple output (SIMO) DC-DC converter that provides electrical isolation. The effectiveness of this current injection method is evaluated on a 3 x 3 total-cross-tied PV array within the MATLAB Simulink environment and Experimental Setup. The SIMO DC-DC converter counteracts the impact of partial shading by injecting current into the array’s rows according to the mismatch current present in those rows. For the SIMO DC-DC converter, variable duty cycles for the gate pulses are generated based on the mismatch current in the rows. Performance metrics are used to compare the efficiency of the proposed current injection technique (CIT) with the traditional total-cross-tied configuration. Under shading patterns labelled case 2 and case 5, the CIT has demonstrated enhancements in output power of 90% and 80%, respectively. Overall, the CIT has improved output power by 65% compared to conventional total-cross-tied PV arrays.