Photovoltaic systems with local maximum power point tracking prevention and methods for operating same

摘要

A photovoltaic system includes solar cells and an inverter configured to convert direct current generated by the solar cells to alternating current. The photovoltaic system includes a maximum power point (MPP) tracking module configured to perform MPP tracking for the photovoltaic system. The MPP tracking module is configured to detect shading of the solar cells and to modify its MPP tracking to prevent tracking of local MPPs. The MPP tracking module may be incorporated in the inverter.

主权项

1. A method of operating a photovoltaic system, the method comprising:
receiving a reading of a voltage and a current generated by a plurality of solar cells; detecting a condition that indicates shading of a group of solar cells in the plurality of solar cells by monitoring a trend of the voltage and output power of the plurality of solar cells and detecting shading of the group of solar cells when the voltage of the plurality of solar cells increases while the output power of the plurality of solar cells decreases; in response to detecting the condition that indicates shading of the group of solar cells, modifying maximum power point tracking of the photovoltaic system to generate a setpoint voltage; and the plurality of solar cells generating the voltage in accordance with the setpoint voltage.