A novel MPPT algorithm based on particle swarm optimization for photovoltaic systems

Abstract

In this paper a new maximum-power-point-tracking (MPPT) method for the photovoltaic (PV) system using an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. The proposed control scheme eliminates the problems in the conventional methods as it uses only a simple numerical calculation to initialize the particles around the global maximum power point (GMPP). Hence, the PSO will utilize less iteration to reach the MPP. The proposed algorithm is verified by using MATLAB SIMULINK tool, several simulations being carried out, and compared to Perturb and Observe (P&O) Method, Incremental Conductance (IncCond) Method, and conventional Practical Swarm Optimization based MPPT Algorithm. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can effectively enhance stability and fast tracking capability even under rapidly changing atmospheric conditions.