Performance Optimization of a Ten Check MPPT Algorithm for an Off-Grid Solar Photovoltaic System

Abstract

In order to operate a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its maximum power point (MPP) under numerous weather conditions, it is necessary to achieve uninterrupted optimal power production and to minimize energy losses, energy generation cost, and payback time. Under partial shading conditions (PSC), the formation of multiple peaks in the power voltage characteristic curve of a PV cell puzzles conventional MPP tracking (MPPT) algorithms trying to identify the global MPP (GMPP). Meanwhile, soft-computing MPPT algorithms can identify the GMPP even under PSC. Drawbacks such as structural complexity, computational complexity, huge memory requirements, and difficult implementation all affect the viability of soft-computing algorithms. However, those drawbacks have been successfully overcome with a novel ten check algorithm (TCA). To improve the performance of the TCA in terms of MPPT speed and efficiency, a novel concept of data arrangement is introduced in this paper. The proposed structure is referred to as Optimized TCA (OTCA). A comparison of the proposed OTCA and classic TCA algorithms was conducted for standard benchmarks. The results proved the superiority of the OTCA algorithm compared to both TCA and flower pollination (FPA) algorithms. The major advantage of OTCA in MPPT stems from its speed as compared to TCA and FPA, with almost 86% and 90% improvement, respectively.

Technical Review of MPPT Algorithms for Solar Photovoltaic System: SWOT Analysis of MPPT Algorithms

“…Energy systems encounter problems of generation shortage, swelling demand, instability, emissions, and high prices [1]. The statics presented here have shown that energy demand is growing rapidly which causes the depletion of fossil fuels and cost inflation.…”

Modified flower pollination algorithm for an off-grid solar photovoltaic system

“…(4) (5) Where, the Vpv(k), Vpv(k-1), Ipv(k), and Ipv(k-1) are the voltages and current of a PV array at the k th , and preceding iteration respectively.…”

“…Due to the non-linear electrical characteristics (presented in Fig. 1), the PV cell cannot deliver its maximum power and depends at the load connected at the output [4][5].…”

Comparative study and simulation of advanced MPPT control algorithms for a photovoltaic system

“…Solar energy is one of the most modern energies and has a bright future, because it is clean and ecological compared to other energies [2]. There are several ways to use this energy to produce electricity [3], but the most important method and the one that concerns us in this work is the method based on the principle of photovoltaics which has the advantage of being non-polluting, flexible and reliable. The photovoltaic (PV) technology transforms part of the solar energy into electricity [4].…”