Hybrid, optimal, intelligent and classical PV MPPT techniques: A review

Renewable energy-based solar photovoltaic (PV) generation is the best alternative for conventional energy sources because of its natural abundance and environment friendly characteristics. Maximum power extraction from the PV system plays a critical role in increasing the efficiency of the solar power generation during partial shading conditions (PSCs). Therefore, a suitable maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique to track the maximum power point (MPP) is of high need, even under PSCs. This paper presents an organized and concise review of MPPT techniques implemented for the PV systems in literature along with recent publications on various hardware design methodologies. Their classification is done into four categories, i.e. classical, intelligent, optimal, and hybrid depending on the tracking algorithm utilized to track MPP under PSCs. During uniform insolation, classical methods are highly preferred as there is only one peak in the P-V curve. However, under PSCs, the P-V curve exhibits multiple peaks, one global maximum power point (GMPP) and remaining are local maximum power points (LMPP's). Under the PSCs, classical methods fail to operate at GMPP and hence there is a need for more advanced MPPT techniques. Every MPPT technique has its advantages and limits, but a streamlined MPPT is drafted in numerous parameters like sensors required, hardware implementation, cost viability, tracking speed and tracking efficiency. This study provides the advancement in this area since some parameter comparison is made at the end of every classification, which might be a prominent base-rule for picking the most gainful sort of MPPT for further research.