Particle swarm optimisation maximum power-tracking approach based on irradiation and temperature measurements for a partially shaded photovoltaic system. Issue 7 (3rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sridhar, R.; Jeevananthan, S.; Vishnuram, Pradeep
• Is Part Of: International journal of ambient energy. Volume 38:Issue 7(2017)
• Page Start: 685
• Page End: 693
• Publication Date: 2017-10-03
• Subjects: Maximum power point tracking -- solar energy -- particle swarm optimisation -- partially shading -- evolutionary algorithm -- soft computing; Power resources -- Periodicals; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; 621.04205
• DOI: 10.1080/01430750.2016.1181570
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-0750

Abstract

Abstract: This paper deals with enhancement of output power of a photovoltaic (PV) array when it is under partially shaded conditions. Since a PV array under shading exhibits non-linear multimodal output power–voltage ( P – V ) characteristics with respect to irradiation and ambient temperature, mundane maximum power point tracking techniques may go futile. In this paper a soft computing technique called particle swarm optimisation is suggested for maximum power tracking. The prime advantage of the suggested technique over existing conventional techniques is that it finds the global maximum peak whereas the conventional algorithm gets stuck with local maxima. The proposed method is also tested in a prototype by incorporating appropriate temperature, irradiation sensors, voltage and current sensors. The simulation and hardware results reveal that the said technique is effective and efficient for power tracking in PV systems exposed to in-homogenous radiations (partial shading).