APO-MPC method boosts MPPT accuracy under shading in PV systems

The University of Johannesburg, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, and China University of Petroleum (East China) have collaboratively developed an Adapted Perturb and Observe–Model Predictive Control (APO-MPC)-based MPPT method for PV systems. The APO-MPC strategy is designed to improve power extraction under complex partial shading conditions by computing a reference current that minimizes a cost function. The algorithm was implemented in MATLAB/Simulink and tested on a setup with six series-connected PV modules, a boost converter, and a load. Validation was carried out through real-time hardware experiments and field data collected across seasonal atmospheric conditions. The APO-MPC method achieved a tracking efficiency of 99.46% and a convergence time of 0.17 seconds. Compared with conventional MPPT algorithms, the APO-MPC method eliminated steady-state oscillations and delivered improved tracking accuracy, stability, and response across various irradiance conditions.