A Novel Approach for Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking Using Modular Multilevel Converters

This paper deals with the problems of grid connected PV-farm configurations due to partial shading effect and mismatch operation of PV panels. One proposed solution in literature is distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) technique. The benefits of this technique in comparison to other conventional centralized PV-farm configurations are well known and already discussed in the technical literature. In this paper converter topology, integrating the PV modules, for DMPPT technique is proposed. The converter topology and the proposed control technique has been tested by means of numerical simulations in Matlab-Simulink environment. The results demonstrate that the controller is able to follow the maximum power point of each PV module, while injecting balanced currents to the grid even in cases of inhomogeneous irradiation.