Photovoltaic module cascaded converters for distributed maximum power point tracking: a review

Operating photovoltaic (PV) systems under partial shading conditions results in significant power losses. To mitigate partial shading effects, distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) architectures have been proposed. An emerging DMPPT technique represented by PV module cascaded converters (MCCs) has been widely reported in the literature. In this architecture, a DC converter is allocated for each PV module to process and maximise its power. In this sense, mismatch effects are mitigated between PV modules. While MCC architecture has prominent advantages and value‐added features, its challenges and limitations cannot be ignored. This study presents a comprehensive review of the state of the art of PV MCC architecture to help readers realise the progress of this DMPPT technique. Several points are extensively discussed and analysed including concept realisation and analysis, DC converter topologies and design optimisation, DMPPT performance limitations, DMPPT control, and protection. The main concepts are reemphasised through a set of simulations. Finally, a list of potential research areas in this field is introduced.