Comprehensive review on global maximum power point tracking techniques for PV systems subjected to partial shading conditions

Abstract Under partial shading conditions, photovoltaic (PV) arrays exhibit multiple local maximum power points and a single global maximum power point in the P-V characteristics curves. Therefore, efficient global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT) control techniques are the prerequisite for improving the performance of the PV array under such situations. In the literature, various GMPPT techniques have been developed to track accurately the global maximum power point among different local maxima. The objective of this study is to provide a review on recent GMPPT techniques for users to select the most appropriate method based on application requirements and system specifications. The proposed work classifies and analyzes these new strategies that are used to maximize the output power of the photovoltaic system and presents the advantages and disadvantages of each method. In addition, it gives views on the use of each method, which helps to choose the most appropriate method according to the PV application. This work will serve as a useful reference for researchers working in the field.