Submodule level distributed maximum power point tracking PV optimizer with an integrated architecture

The distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) concept is widely adopted in photovoltaic systems to avoid mismatch loss. However, the high cost and complexity of DMPPT hinder its further promotion in practice. Based on the concept of DMPPT, this paper presents an integrated submodule level half-bridge stack structure along with an optimal current point tracking (OCPT) control algorithm. In this full power processing integrated solution, the number of power switches and passive components is greatly reduced. On the other hand, only one current sensor and its related AD unit are needed to perform the ideal maximum power generation for all of the PV submodules in any irradiance case. The proposal can totally eliminate different small-scaled mismatch effects in real-word condition and the true maximum power point of each PV submodule can be achieved. As a result, the ideal maximum power output of the whole PV system can be achieved. Compared with current solutions, the proposal further develops the integration level of submodule DMPPT solutions with a lower cost and a smaller size. Moreover, the individual MPPT tracking for all of the submodules are guaranteed.