Backpropagation artificial neural network-based maximum power point tracking controller with image encryption inspired solar photovoltaic array reconfiguration

Abstract

The enhancement of photovoltaic (PV) arrays through reconfiguration presents a promising avenue for increasing the global maximum power (GMP) and improving overall array performance. This enhancement is achieved by minimizing differences between rows, thereby reducing the computational load on Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) systems. However, many existing reconfiguration methods face various challenges, including scalability issues, inadequate shading dispersion, distortion of array characteristics, emergence of multiple power peaks, increased mismatch, and more. In order to overcome these obstacles, this study presents a novel method for array reconfiguration that is modelled after the widely used Kolakoski Sequence Transform in picture encryption. The suggested approach is assessed in eight different scenarios with 9 × 9 and 5 × 5 PV arrays shaded differently. Its performance is compared against seven established techniques. Due to its intelligent reconfiguration aimed at minimizing shade dispersion, the suggested approach consistently outperforms alternative methods. It results in substantial improvements in GMP, enhancing it by 32.79%, 14.98%, 10.15%, and 4.13% for 9 × 9 arrays, and 37.10%, 14.36%, and 9.88% for 5 × 5 arrays across diverse conditions. Furthermore, this study comprehensively investigates three separate Artificial Neural Network algorithms, specifically the Levenberg-Marquardt (LMB), Scaled Conjugate Gradient, and Bayesian Regularization algorithms for MPPT. A Levenberg-Marquardt Backpropagation-based MPPT controller for a 250Wp standalone PV system is used to validate the effectiveness of the recommended configuration. This integrated approach, which combines reconfiguration and LMB-based MPPT utilizes only two sensors regardless of array size. It achieves accelerated convergence tracking within a short 0.13 s, displaying minimal steady-state oscillations.