Current collector optimizer topology to improve maximum power from PV array under partial shading conditions

The power generated from photovoltaic (PV) series-parallel (SP) array topology is greatly harmed by partial shading phenomenon. Power losses due to shadow may reach up to 30% of total power expected, depending on PV array topology and climate conditions. This paper presents a current collector optimizer (CCO) topology to enhance the power harvest from the PV array under partial shading conditions. A comparative study is carried out using MATLAB/Simulink in order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed topology. According to results, the global maximum power generated by CCO topology is substantially increased compared to traditional SP array topology, while the mismatch power losses are significantly reduced during different shading patterns. (paper)