Improved Sliding Mode Control for Tracking Global Maximum Power of Triple Series Parallel Ladder Photovoltaic Array under Uneven Shadowing

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative way for enhancing the performance of photovoltaic arrays under uneven shadowing conditions. The study focuses on a triple series parallel ladder configuration to exploit the benefits of increased power generation while addressing the challenges associated with uneven shadowing. The proposed methodology focuses on the implementation of improved sliding mode Control technique for the global maximum power point tracking efficiently. Sliding mode control is known for its robustness in the presence of uncertainties and disturbances, making it suitable for dynamic and complex systems such as photovoltaic arrays. This work employs a comprehensive simulation framework to comment the performance of the suggested improved sliding mode control strategy at uneven shadowing scenarios. Comparative analysis has been done to show the effectiveness of the suggested method than the traditional control strategies. The results demonstrate a remarkable enhancement in the tracking accuracy of the global maximum power point, leading to enhanced energy harvesting capabilities under challenging environmental conditions. Furthermore, the proposed approach exhibits robustness and adaptability in mitigating the effect of shading on the photovoltaic array, thereby increasing overall system efficiency. This research contributes valuable insights into the development of advanced control strategies for photovoltaic arrays, particularly in the context of triple series parallel ladder configurations operating under uneven shadowing conditions. Under short narrow shading condition, the improved sliding mode control method tracking the maximum power more compared to perturb & observe is 20.68%, incremental conductance is 68.78%, fuzzy incremental conductance is 19.8%, and constant velocity sliding mode control is 1.25%. The improved sliding mode control method has 60% less chattering than constant velocity sliding mode control under shading conditions.