Visual Re-Initialization Model Development Methodology for Solving Problems Regarding Metaheuristic Algorithm-Based MPPT Applications

Abstract

Metaheuristic algorithms are particularly useful for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) applications, because they can adapt to changes in operating conditions and effectively handle partial shading conditions. However, metaheuristic algorithms also have some limitations that need to be addressed to make them suitable for MPPT applications. The problems associated with metaheuristic algorithm-based MPPT applications include being trapped in local optima, slow convergence speed, shading condition variability, computational complexity and robustness. These problems lead to reduced efficiency in MPPT applications. In the literature, the solution of the aforementioned problems is partially addressed and some of them are solved via an additional irradiation sensor. The motivation of this study is to develop a control algorithm that covers all problems that have been partially solved in the literature and includes an original re-initialization modeling method in accordance with visual programing concept, without using any additional radiation sensor. The proposed control algorithm has the flexibility to be easily adapted to other metaheuristic algorithms and does not require any radiation sensors. The re-initialization model created via Matlab/Simulink and “Embedded Coder Support Package for TI C2000 Processors” allows easy tracking of the global maximum power point (GMPP) by detecting variable radiation conditions. The proposed model was implemented on the Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) and verified through experimental studies carried out with a TI-TMS320f28069 microcontroller and PV emulator. The experimental results confirm that issue 1 is solved with 100%, issue 2 is solved with 99.5%, issue 3 is solved with 99.84%, and issue 4 is solved with 100% MPPT efficiency.