Method and system for selecting between centralized and distributed maximum power point tracking in an energy generating system

A method for selecting between centralized and distributed maximum power point tracking in an energy generating system comprising a plurality of energy generating devices, each of the energy generating devices coupled to a corresponding local converter comprising a local controller, the method comprising:

• calculating an output power value for each of the energy generating devices;
• for each energy generating device, calculating a probability that the energy generating device is shaded based on the output power values for the energy generating devices;
• identifying a maximum value of the calculated probabilities;
• comparing the maximum value of the calculated probabilities to a distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) threshold;
• placing the energy generating system in a centralized maximum power point tracking (CMPPT) mode when the maximum value of the calculated probabilities is less than the DMPPT threshold;
• and
• placing the energy generating system in a DMPPT mode when the maximum value of the calculated probabilities is greater than the DMPPT threshold.

A central array controller capable of selecting between centralized and distributed maximum power point tracking for an energy generating system comprising a plurality of energy generating devices, each of the energy generating devices coupled to a corresponding local converter comprising a local controller, the central array controller comprising:

• a diagnostic module configured to determine whether there is at least a threshold amount of mismatch between operating characteristics of the energy generating devices:
• and
• a control module configured to:
• place the energy generating system in a centralized maximum power point tracking (CMPPT) mode when there is not at least the threshold amount of mismatch;
• and
• place the energy generating system in a distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) mode when there is at least the threshold amount of mismatch.