Hyper-Spherical Search Algorithm for Maximum Power Point Tracking of Solar Photovoltaic Systems under Partial Shading Conditions

Abstract

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for photovoltaic systems has widely been studied. However, studying the impact of partial shading (due to buildings, trees, clouds, adjacent arrays, and so on) on the MPPT and achieving the global maximum is still a challenging topic. This is because not only there is a global maximum power point (GMPP) but also there are several local maximums due to the non-linear nature of the power-voltage curve after partial shading. Therefore, the conventional MPPT methods fail to track the GMPP and are commonly trapped at one of the local maximum power points. This study utilizes the Hyper-Spherical Search (HSS) algorithm in MATLAB to achieve the GMPP while improving the efficiency, convergence speed, dynamic response, and reducing the losses. To track the GMPP using the HSS algorithm, the output power for the array (PPV) is defined as the objective function, and the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter is selected as the particles’ position (control variable). The performance of the proposed algorithm has been studied in three different partial shading patterns, and the simulation results confirm the capability of the algorithm in the rapid tracking of GMPP points. In addition, if the GMPP position changes over time, it will track the new GMPP with minimal oscillations. The proposed method along with PSO, P&O, ABC, and Dragon algorithms has been applied for various scenarios, and the obtained results using HSS have been compared with the four mentioned algorithms, which confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method. Briefly, the advantages of the HSS algorithm in finding GMPP can be stated as simple implementation with few parameters, strong exploration, and exploitation during the tracking process, fast-tracking and low fluctuations during tracking, low oscillation at steady-state, high dynamic efficiency, and non-convergence to LMPP points.

Hyper Spherical Search (HSS) Algorithm Based Optimization and Real-Time Stability Study of Tidal Energy Conversion System

“…Authors of this present paper have used the efficacy of these optimization techniques in tuning the controller's gains involved with the tidal based HPS.The outcome yielded by these algorithms are compared with that of existing optimization techniques.Further the validation of the proposed control method in the linked power system is conducted using the OPAL-RT 5142 real-time digital simulation platform. The efficiency of the HSS [28][29] [30] optimized PID controller is demonstrated through the comparison of simulation and real-time outcomes.…”