Critical Review on PV MPPT Techniques: Classical, Intelligent and Optimisation

Maximum power extraction from the photovoltaic (PV) system plays a critical role in increasing efficiency during partial shading conditions (PSC's). The higher cost and low conversion efficiency of the PV panel necessitate the extraction of the maximum power point (MPP). So, a suitable maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique to track the MPP is of high need, even under PSC's. This study gives an extensive review of 23 MPPT techniques present in literature along with recent publications on various hardware design methodologies. MPPT classification is done into three categories, i.e. Classical, Intelligent and Optimisation depending on the tracking algorithm utilised. During uniform insolation, classical methods are highly preferred as there is only one peak in the P – V curve. However, under PSC's, the P – V curve exhibits multiple peaks, one global MPP (GMPP) and the remaining are local MPPs. Hence, Intelligent and Optimisation techniques came into limelight to differentiate the GMPP out of all LMPPs. Every MPPT technique has its advantages and limits, but a streamlined MPPT is drafted in numerous parameters like sensors required, hardware implementation, tracking in PSC's, cost, tracking speed and tracking efficiency. This present study aimed to address the advancement in this area for further research.