Maximum power point tracking of partial shaded photovoltaic array using an evolutionary algorithm: A particle swarm optimization technique

Mohammadmehdi Seyedmahmoudian,Rubiyah Yusof,Ali Asghar Shojaei,Saad Mekhilef,Rasoul Rahmani

doi:10.1063/1.4868025

Abstract

Partial shading is one of the unavoidable complications in the field of solar power generation. Although the most common approach in increasing a photovoltaic (PV) array's efficiency has always been to introduce a bypass diode to the said array, this poses another problem in the form of multi-peaks curves whenever the modules are partially shaded. To further complicate matters, most conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking methods develop errors under certain circumstances (for example, they detect the local Maximum Power Point (MPP) instead of the global MPP) and reduce the efficiency of PV systems even further. Presently, much research has been undertaken to improve upon them. This study aims to employ an evolutionary algorithm technique, also known as particle swarm optimization, in MPP detection.

Highlights

Compared to other means in harvesting renewable energy, photovoltaic (PV) systems can be said to possess several fundamental advantages.1,2 For example, their application of semiconductor devices makes the solar energy they collect a static, quiet, and movement-free energy source, ensuring the system’s longevity and low-maintenance costs
This study aims to employ an evolutionary algorithm technique, known as particle swarm optimization, in maximum power point (MPP) detection
Partial shading would alter the output of the array such that it results in a nonlinear power-voltage relationship and multiple peak characteristics, the latter of which decreases the efficiency of the conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) methods

Summary

Introduction

Compared to other means in harvesting renewable energy, photovoltaic (PV) systems can be said to possess several fundamental advantages. For example, their application of semiconductor devices makes the solar energy they collect a static, quiet, and movement-free energy source, ensuring the system’s longevity and low-maintenance costs. Compared to other means in harvesting renewable energy, photovoltaic (PV) systems can be said to possess several fundamental advantages.. Compared to other means in harvesting renewable energy, photovoltaic (PV) systems can be said to possess several fundamental advantages.1,2 Their application of semiconductor devices makes the solar energy they collect a static, quiet, and movement-free energy source, ensuring the system’s longevity and low-maintenance costs. Using bypass diodes on the related configurations of PV modules, on the other hand, would produce the conditions of partial shading; whose detrimental effects on PV array efficiency still persist despite recent advancements in technology. Partial shading would alter the output of the array such that it results in a nonlinear power-voltage relationship and multiple peak characteristics, the latter of which decreases the efficiency of the conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) methods.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion