Experimental validation of effective zebra optimization algorithm-based MPPT under partial shading conditions in...

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Renewable Energy Systems
• Optimization Algorithms

Background:

• Photovoltaic (PV) systems require efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for optimal energy harvest.
• Partial Shading Conditions (PSCs) and Dynamic Shading Conditions (DSCs) significantly degrade PV system performance.
• Existing MPPT algorithms face challenges in achieving fast and accurate tracking under complex shading scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA) for Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP) tracking in PV systems.
• To assess ZOA's effectiveness in handling challenging Partial Shading Conditions (PSCs) and Dynamic Shading Conditions (DSCs).
• To compare ZOA's performance against established MPPT algorithms like GWO, PSO, FPA, and WOA.

Main Methods:

• Simulation of PV systems using block lookup tables for efficient analysis.
• Implementation and application of the Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA) for GMPP tracking.
• Comparative performance analysis of ZOA against GWO, PSO, FPA, and WOA under various shading conditions.
• Experimental validation using a DSPACE board and a PV emulator.

Main Results:

• ZOA achieved an average tracking time of 0.875 seconds and a tracking efficiency of 99.95% under PSCs.
• ZOA demonstrated up to 2% higher tracking efficiency and faster convergence (10-15% quicker) compared to other algorithms.
• ZOA significantly reduced operating point variations and showed increased resilience under varied shading conditions.
• Experimental results confirmed ZOA's high efficiency and dependability in real-world PV system emulation.

Conclusions:

• The Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA) presents a highly efficient and reliable MPPT solution for PV systems.
• ZOA effectively overcomes the challenges posed by severe partial and dynamic shading conditions.
• ZOA offers significant advantages in tracking speed, efficiency, and stability compared to existing MPPT algorithms.