Comprehensive review on distributed maximum power point tracking: Submodule level and module level MPPT strategies

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) procedure in photovoltaic (PV) systems can be realized with many different methods. Especially in arrays consisting of PV modules (PVMs) connected in series; the maximum power point (MPP) may change due to partial shading conditions (PSC), aging, degradation, fabrication production differences etc. In addition, even in small power systems containing a single PVM, the difference in shading and irradiation between submodules affects the maximum power potential of the PVM. In this study, power electronics-based power processing methods in distributed MPPT (DMPPT) systems are emphasized. Power electronics-based hardware MPPT solutions are examined in two groups as full power processing (FPP) and differential power processing (DPP). In addition, commercially available power optimizers have been examined under many criteria. The literature on the subject has been analyzed in a broad perspective, and it has been comprehensively evaluated according to criteria such as power processing level, converter configuration, MPPT algorithm, MPPT application level and control approaches. This study is an important guide for scientists and hardware engineers doing academic studies on the subject. This study, which examines the topologies and control approaches used in application-oriented studies, has the feature of triggering future studies. The features that commercial power optimizers should have and the examination of the products in the market within the framework of some criteria is one of the original aspects of the study. It is expected that this study will contribute to the PV industry in building applied and building integrated studies, where extreme shading scenario occurs.