Probabilistic Global Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Continuously Varying Partial Shading Conditions on Autonomous PV Systems

A photovoltaic (PV) string with multiple modules with bypass diodes frequently deployed on a variety of autonomous PV systems may present multiple power peaks under uneven shading. For optimal solar harvesting, there is a need for a control schema to force the PV string to operate at global maximum power point (GMPP). While a lot of tracking methods have been proposed in the literature, they are usually complex and do not fully take advantage of the available characteristics of the PV array. This work highlights how the voltage at operating point and the forward voltage of the bypass diode are considered to design a global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT) algorithm with a very limited global search phase called Fast GMPPT. This algorithm successfully tracks GMPP between 94% and 98% of the time under a theoretical evaluation. It is then compared against Perturb and Observe, Deterministic Particle Swarm Optimization, and Grey Wolf Optimization under a sequence of irradiance steps as well as a power-over-voltage characteristics profile that mimics the electrical characteristics of a PV string under varying partial shading conditions. Overall, the simulation with the sequence of irradiance steps shows that while Fast GMPPT does not have the best convergence time, it has an excellent convergence rate as well as causes the least amount of power loss during the global search phase. Experimental test under varying partial shading conditions shows that while the GMPPT proposal is simple and lightweight, it is very performant under a wide range of dynamically varying partial shading conditions and boasts the best energy efficiency (94.74%) out of the 4 tested algorithms.

A fuzzy control and neural network based rotor speed controller for maximum power point tracking in permanent magnet synchronous wind power generation system

When the wind speed changes significantly in a permanent magnet synchronous wind power generation system,the maximum power point cannot be easily determined in a timely manner.This study proposes a maximum power reference signal search method based on fuzzy control,which is an improvement to the climbing search method.A neural network-based parameter regulator is proposed to address external wind speed fluctuations,where the parameters of a proportional-integral controller is adjusted to accurately monitor the maximum power point under different wind speed conditions.Finally,the effectiveness of this method is verified via Simulink simulation.

Optimization of Adaptive Fuzzy Controller for Maximum Power Point Tracking Using Whale Algorithm

The advantage of fuzzy controllers in working with inaccurate and nonlinear inputs is that there is no need for an accurate mathematical model and fast convergence and minimal fluctuations in the maximum power point detector.The capability of online fuzzy tracking systems is maximum power,resistance to radiation and temperature changes,and no need for external sensors to measure radiation intensity and temperature.However,the most important issue is the constant changes in the amount of sunlight that cause the maximum power point to be constantly changing.The controller used in the maximum power point tracking(MPPT)circuit must be able to adapt to the new radiation conditions.Therefore,in this paper,to more accurately track the maximumpower point of the solar system and receive more electrical power at its output,an adaptive fuzzy control was proposed,the parameters of which are optimized by the whale algorithm.The studies have repeated under different irradiation conditions and the proposed controller performance has been compared with perturb and observe algorithm(P&O)method,which is a practical and high-performance method.To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm,the particle swarm algorithm optimized the adaptive fuzzy controller.The simulation results show that the adaptive fuzzy control system performs better than the P&O tracking system.Higher accuracy and consequently more production power at the output of the solar panel is one of the salient features of the proposed control method,which distinguishes it from other methods.On the other hand,the adaptive fuzzy controller optimized by the whale algorithm has been able to perform relatively better than the controller designed by the particle swarm algorithm,which confirms the higher accuracy of the proposed algorithm.

Maximum Power Point Tracking in Variable Speed Wind Turbine Based on Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator Using Maximum Torque Sliding Mode Control Strategy

The present study was carried out in order to track the maximum power point in a variable speed turbine by minimizing electromechanical torque changes using a sliding mode control strategy. In this strategy, first, the rotor speed is set at an optimal point for different wind speeds. As a result of which, the tip speed ratio reaches an optimal point, mechanical power coefficient is maximized, and wind turbine produces its maximum power and mechanical torque. Then, the maximum mechanical torque is tracked using electromechanical torque. In this technique, tracking error integral of maximum mechanical torque, the error, and the derivative of error are used as state variables. During changes in wind speed, sliding mode control is designed to absorb the maximum energy from the wind and minimize the response time of maximum power point tracking(MPPT). In this method, the actual control input signal is formed from a second order integral operation of the original sliding mode control input signal. The result of the second order integral in this model includes control signal integrity, full chattering attenuation, and prevention from large fluctuations in the power generator output. The simulation results, calculated by using MATLAB/m-file software, have shown the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy for wind energy systems based on the permanent magnet synchronous generator(PMSG).

Variable Parameter Nonlinear Control for Maximum Power Point Tracking Considering Mitigation of Drive-train Load

Since mechanical loads exert a significant influence on the life span of wind turbines, the reduction of transient load on drive-train shaft has received more attention when implementing a maximum power point tracking(MPPT) controller.Moreover, a trade-off between the efficiency of wind energy extraction and the load level of drive-train shaft becomes a key issue. However, for the existing control strategies based on nonlinear model of wind turbines, the MPPT efficiencies are improved at the cost of the intensive fluctuation of generator torque and significant increase of transient load on drive train shaft. Hence, in this paper, a nonlinear controller with variable parameter is proposed for improving MPPT efficiency and mitigating transient load on drive-train simultaneously. Then,simulations on FAST(Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence) code and experiments on the wind turbine simulator(WTS) based test bench are presented to verify the efficiency improvement of the proposed control strategy with less cost of drive-train load.

Comparative assessment of maximum power point tracking procedures for photovoltaic systems

The fast growing demands and increasing awareness for the environment, PV systems are being rapidly installed for numerous applications.However, one of the important challenges in utilizing a PV source is the maximum power harnessing using various maximum power point tracking techniques available. With the large number of MPPT techniques, each having some merits and demerits, confusion is always there for their proper selection. Discussion on various proposed procedures for maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic array has been done. Based on different parameters analysis of MPPT techniques is carried out. This assessment will serve as a suitable reference for selection, understanding different ways and means of MPPT.

Comprehensive review and performance evaluation of maximum power point tracking algorithms for photovoltaic system

A photovoltaic array is environmentally friendly and a source of unlimited energy generation.However,it is presently a costlier energy generation system than other non-renewable energy sources.The main reasons are seasonal variations and continuously changing weather conditions,which affect the amount of solar energy received by the solar panels.In addition,the non-linear characteristics of the voltage and current outputs along with the operating environment temperature and variation in the solar radiation decrease the energy conversion capability of the photovoltaic arrays.To address this problem,the global maxima of the PV arrays can be tracked using a maximum power point tracking algorithm(MPPT)and the operating point of the photovoltaic system can be forced to its optimum value.This technique increases the efficiency of the photovoltaic array and minimizes the cost of the system by reducing the number of solar modules required to obtain the desired power.However,the tracking algorithms are not equally effective in all areas of application.Therefore,selecting the correct MPPT is very critical.This paper presents a detailed review and comparison of the MPPT techniques for photovoltaic systems,with consideration of the following key parameters:photovoltaic array dependence,type of system(analog or digital),need for periodic tuning,convergence speed,complexity of the system,global maxima,implemented capacity,and sensed parameter(s).In addition,based on real meteorological data(irradiance and temperature at a site located in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia),a simulation is performed to evaluate the performance of tracking algorithms suitable for the application being studied.Finally,the study clearly validates the considerable energy saving achieved by using these algorithms.

Maximum power point tracking of a photovoltaic energy system using neural fuzzy techniques

In order to improve the output efficiency of a photovoltaic （PV） energy system, the real-time maximum power point （MPP） of the PV array should be tracked closely. The non-linear and time-variant characteristics of the photovoltaic array and the non-linear and non-minimum phase characteristics of a boost converter make it difficult to track the MPP as in traditional control strategies. A neural fuzzy controller （NFC） in conjunction with the reasoning capability of fuzzy logical systems and the learning capability of neural networks is proposed to track the MPP in this paper. A gradient estimator based on a radial basis function neural network is developed to provide the reference information to the NFC. With a derived learning algorithm, the parameters of the NFC are updated adaptively. Experimental results show that, compared with the fuzzy logic control algorithm, the proposed control algorithm provides much better tracking performance.

Research on the MPPT of Photovoltaic Power Generation Based on Improved WOA and P&O under Partial Shading Conditions

Partial shading conditions(PSCs)caused by uneven illumination become one of the most common problems in photovoltaic(PV)systems,which can make the PV power-voltage(P-V)characteristics curve show multi-peaks.Traditional maximum power point tracking(MPPT)methods have shortcomings in tracking to the global maximum power point(GMPP),resulting in a dramatic decrease in output power.In order to solve the above problems,intelligent algorithms are used in MPPT.However,the existing intelligent algorithms have some disadvantages,such as slow convergence speed and large search oscillation.Therefore,an improved whale algorithm(IWOA)combined with the P&O(IWOA-P&O)is proposed for the MPPT of PV power generation in this paper.Firstly,IWOA is used to track the range interval of the GMPP,and then P&O is used to accurately find the MPP in that interval.Compared with other algorithms,simulation results show that this method has an average tracking efficiency of 99.79%and an average tracking time of 0.16 s when tracking GMPP.Finally,experimental verification is conducted,and the results show that the proposed algorithm has better MPPT performance compared to popular particle swarm optimization(PSO)and PSO-P&O algorithms.

Maximum Power Point Tracking Using the Incremental Conductance Algorithm for PV Systems Operating in Rapidly Changing Environmental Conditions

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an important process in Photovoltaic (PV) systems because of the need to extract maximum power from PV panels used in these systems. Without the ability to track and have PV panels operate at its maximum power point (MPP) entails power losses;resulting in high cost since more panels will be required to provide specified energy needs. To achieve high efficiency and low cost, MPPT has therefore become an imperative in PV systems. In this study, an MPP tracker is modeled using the IC algorithm and its behavior under rapidly changing environmental conditions of temperature and irradiation levels is investigated. This algorithm, based on knowledge of the variation of the conductance of PV cells and the operating point with respect to the voltage and current of the panel calculates the slope of the power characteristics to determine the MPP as the peak of the curve. A simple circuit model of the DC-DC boost converter connected to a PV panel is used in the simulation;and the output of the boost converter is fed through a 3-phase inverter to an electricity grid. The model was simulated and tested using MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the IC algorithm for tracking the MPP in PV systems operating under rapidly changing temperatures and irradiations with a settling time of 2 seconds.

Maximum Power Point Tracking With Fractional Order High Pass Filter for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC) is widely recognized as a potentially renewable and green energy source based on hydrogen. Maximum power point tracking(MPPT) is one of the most important working conditions to be considered. In order to improve the performance such as convergence and robustness under disturbance and uncertainty,a fractional order high pass filter(FOHPF) is applied for the MPPT controller design based on the traditional extremum seeking control(ESC). The controller is designed with integerorder integrator(IO-I) and low pass filter(IO-LPF) together with fractional order high pass filter(FOHPF), by substituting the normal HPF in the original ESC system. With this FOHPF ESC,better convergence and smoother performance are achieved while maintaining the robust specifications. First, tracking stability is discussed under the commensurate-order condition. Then,simulation results are included to validate the proposed new FOHPF ESC scheme under disturbance. Finally, comparison results between FOHPF ESC and the traditional ESC method are also provided.

Research on the MPPT of Photovoltaic Power Generation Based on the CSA-INC Algorithm

The existing Maximum Power Point Tracking(MPPT)method has low tracking efficiency and poor stability.It is easy to fall into the Local Maximum Power Point(LMPP)in Partial Shading Condition(PSC),resulting in the degradation of output power quality and efficiency.It was found that various bio-inspired MPPT based optimization algorithms employ different mechanisms,and their performance in tracking the Global Maximum Power Point(GMPP)varies.Thus,a Cuckoo search algorithm(CSA)combined with the Incremental conductance Algorithm(INC)is proposed(CSA-INC)is put forward for the MPPT method of photovoltaic power generation.The method can improve the tracking speed by more than 52%compared with the traditional Cuckoo Search Algorithm(CSA),and the results of the study using this algorithm are compared with the popular Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)and the Gravitational Search Algorithm(GSA).CSA-INC has an average tracking efficiency of 99.99%and an average tracking time of 0.19 s when tracking the GMPP,which improves PV power generation’s efficiency and power quality.

Spotted Hyena-Bat Optimized Extreme Learning Machine for Solar Power Extraction

Artificial intelligence,machine learning and deep learning algorithms have been widely used for Maximum Power Point Tracking(MPPT)in solar systems.In the traditional MPPT strategies,following of worldwide Global Maximum Power Point(GMPP)under incomplete concealing conditions stay overwhelming assignment and tracks different nearby greatest power focuses under halfway concealing conditions.The advent of artificial intelligence in MPPT has guaranteed of accurate following of GMPP while expanding the significant performance and efficiency of MPPT under Partial Shading Conditions(PSC).Still the selection of an efficient learning based MPPT is complex because each model has its advantages and drawbacks.Recently,Meta-heuristic algorithm based Learning techniques have provided better tracking efficiency but still exhibit dull performances under PSC.This work represents an excellent optimization based on Spotted Hyena Enabled Reliable BAT(SHERB)learning models,SHERB-MPPT integrated with powerful extreme learning machines to identify the GMPP with fast convergence,low steady-state oscillations,and good tracking efficiency.Extensive testing using MATLAB-SIMULINK,with 50000 data combinations gathered under partial shade and normal settings.As a result of simulations,the proposed approach offers 99.7%tracking efficiency with a slower convergence speed.To demonstrate the predominance of the proposed system,we have compared the performance of the system with other hybrid MPPT learning models.Results proved that the proposed cross breed MPPT model had beaten different techniques in recognizing GMPP viably under fractional concealing conditions.

A Review of State-of-the-art Flexible Power Point Tracking Algorithms in Photovoltaic Systems for Grid Support:Classification and Application

To maximize conversion efficiency,photovoltaic(PV)systems generally operate in the maximum power point tracking(MPPT)mode.However,due to the increasing penetra tion level of PV systems,there is a need for more developed control functions in terms of frequency support services and voltage control to maintain the reliability and stability of the power grid.Therefore,flexible active power control is a manda tory task for grid-connected PV systems to meet part of the grid requirements.Hence,a significant number of flexible pow er point tracking(FPPT)algorithms have been introduced in the existing literature.The purpose of such algorithms is to real ize a cost-effective method to provide grid support functional ities while minimizing the reliance on energy storage systems.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of grid support functionalities that can be obtained with the FPPT control of PV systems such as frequency support and volt-var control.Each of these grid support functionalities necessitates PV sys tems to operate under one of the three control strategies,which can be provided with FPPT algorithms.The three control strate gies are classified as:①constant power generation control(CP GC),②power reserve control(PRC),and③power ramp rate control(PRRC).A detailed discussion on available FPPT algo rithms for each control strategy is also provided.This paper can serve as a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art FPPT algorithms that can equip PV systems with various grid support functionalities.

An Improved Perturb and Observe Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Photovoltaic Power Systems

This paper aims to improve the performance of the conventional perturb and observe(P&O)maximum power point tracking(MPPT)algorithm.As the oscillation around the maximum power point(MPP)is the main disadvantage of this technique,we introduce a modified P&O algorithm to conquer this handicap.The new algorithm recognizes approaching the peak of the photovoltaic(PV)array power curve and prevents the oscillation around the MPP.The key to achieve this goal is testing the change of output power in each cycle and comparing it with the change in array terminal power of the previous cycle.If a decrease in array terminal power is observed after an increase in the previous cycle or in the opposite direction,an increase in array terminal power is observed after a decrease in the previous cycle;it means we are at the peak of the power curve,so the duty cycle of the boost converter should remain the same as the previous cycle.Besides,an optimized duty cycle is introduced,which is adjusted based on the operating point of PV array.Furthermore,a DC-DC boost converter powered by a PV array simulator is used to test the proposed concept.When the irradiance changes,the proposed algorithm produces an averageηMPPT of nearly 3.1%greater than that of the conventional P&O algorithm and the incremental conductance(In C)algorithm.In addition,under strong partial shading conditions and drift avoidance tests,the proposed algorithm produces an averageηMPPT of nearly 9%and 8%greater than that of the conventional algorithms,respectively.

Evaluation of series-parallel-cross-tied PV array configuration performance with maximum power point tracking techniques under partial shading conditions

Tracking the maximum power point is a critical issue with solar systems.The power output of the solar panel varies due to variations in irradiance and temperature.Nonuniform irradiation due to partial shading conditions has a direct impact on the characteristics of photovoltaic(PV)systems.To build a diversity of maximum power point tracking algorithms in solar PV systems,this work focuses on perturb and observe,incremental conductance,and fuzzy logic control methodologies.The suggested fuzzy logic control method outperformed the conventional incremental conductance and perturb and observe algorithms with a collection of 49 rules.This paper presents a novel series-parallel-cross-tied PV array configuration with a developed fuzzy methodology.To comment on the performance of a proposed system under various partial shading conditions,a series-parallel PV array configuration has been considered.The simulation result demonstrates that the fuzzy method has a percentage improvement in the global maximum power point tracking efficiency of 24.85%when compared to the perturb and observe method and a 65.5%improvement when compared to the incremental conductance method under long wide partial shading conditions.In the case of the middle partial shading condition,the fuzzy method has a percentage improvement in the global maximum power point tracking efficiency of 12.4%compared to the perturb and observe method and a 60.7%improvement compared to the incremental conductance method.

Inverter Power Stage Connected with PV-Grid

This paper focuses on the design of the inverter power stage connected with PV-grid which supports the contrived PV system. The increased number of grid connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters gave rise to problems concerning the stability and safety of the utility grid, as well as power quality issues. The proposed systems can overcome these issues and improve standard regulation methods for gird connected PV inverter. The maximum available voltage in the PV string is tracked by the power stage which has been planned and designed in such a way. The tracked voltage is boosted then. The important components to voltage source inverter (VSI) are boost inductor and input capacitor which are calculated. To get a clear sinusoidal output phase voltage of 230 V from a DC capacitance bus projected to deal with 400 V, the important inverter stage parameters have been planned and modeled in Mat lab. Each block stage of the converter is easily understandable by the Simlink of the dual stage DC-AC converter explanation. The control schemes which have been proposed would compromise with the inverter power stage which forms the neat grid system. The existing renewable energy sources in the laboratory are integrated by the proposed control.

Modeling and small-signal stability analysis of doubly-fed induction generator integrated system

Owing to their stability,doubly-fed induction generator(DFIG)integrated systems have gained considerable interest and are the most widely implemented type of wind turbines and due to the increasing escalation of the wind generation penetration rate in power systems.In this study,we investigate a DFIG integrated system comprising four modules:(1)a wind turbine that considers the maximum power point tracking and pitch-angle control,(2)induction generator,(3)rotor/grid-side converter with the corresponding control strategy,and(4)AC power grid.The detailed small-signal modeling of the entire system is performed by linearizing the dynamic characteristic equation at the steady-state value.Furthermore,a dichotomy method is proposed based on the maximum eigenvalue real part function to obtain the critical value of the parameters.Root-locus analysis is employed to analyze the impact of changes in the phase-locked loop,short-circuit ratio,and blade inertia on the system stability.Lastly,the accuracy of the small-signal model and the real and imaginary parts of the calculated dominant poles in the theoretical analysis are verified using PSCAD/EMTDC.

Enhanced Perturb and Observe Control Algorithm for a Standalone Domestic Renewable Energy System

The generation of electricity,considering environmental and eco-nomic factors is one of the most important challenges of recent years.In this article,a thermoelectric generator(TEG)is proposed to use the thermal energy of an electric water heater(EWH)to generate electricity independently.To improve the energy conversion efficiency of the TEG,a fuzzy logic con-troller(FLC)-based perturb&observe(P&O)type maximum power point tracking(MPPT)control algorithm is used in this study.An EWH is one of the major electricity consuming household appliances which causes a higher electricity price for consumers.Also,a significant amount of thermal energy generated by EWH is wasted every day,especially during the winter season.In recent years,TEGs have been widely developed to convert surplus or unused thermal energy into usable electricity.In this context,the proposed model is designed to use the thermal energy stored in the EWH to generate electricity.In addition,the generated electricity can be easily stored in a battery storage system to supply electricity to various household appliances with low-power-consumption.The proposed MPPT control algorithm helps the system to quickly reach the optimal point corresponding to the maximum power output and maintains the system operating point at the maximum power output level.To validate the usefulness of the proposed scheme,a study model was developed in the MATLAB Simulink environment and its performance was investigated by simulation under steady state and transient conditions.The results of the study confirmed that the system is capable of generating adequate power from the available thermal energy of EWH.It was also found that the output power and efficiency of the system can be improved by maintaining a higher temperature difference at the input terminals of the TEG.Moreover,the real-time temperature data of Abha city in Saudi Arabia is considered to analyze the feasibility of the proposed system for practical implementation.

PV Maximum Power-point Tracking Using Modified Particle Swarm Optimization under Partial Shading Conditions

A novel maximum power-point tracking approach is proposed based on studies investigating the output characteristics of photovoltaic(PV)systems under partial shading conditions.The existence of partially shaded conditions leads to the presence of several peaks on PV curves,which decrease the efficiency of conventional techniques.Hence,the proposed algorithm,which is based on the modified particle-swarm optimization(MPSO)technique,increases the output power of PV systems under such abnormal conditions and has a better performance compared to other methods.The proposed method is examined under several scenarios for partial shading condition and non-uniform irradiation levels using Matlab,and to investigate its effectiveness adequately,the results of the proposed method are compared with those of the neural network technique.The experimental results show that the proposed method can decrease the interference of the local maximum power-point to cause the PV system to operate at a global maximum power-point.The efficiency of the MPSO is achieved with the least number of steady-state oscillations under partial shading conditions compared with the neural network method.