Arithmetic optimization based MPPT for photovoltaic systems operating under nonuniform situations.

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Systems
• Electrical Engineering
• Optimization Algorithms

Background:

• Photovoltaic (PV) modules often operate under non-uniform solar irradiation, leading to reduced power output and ineffective Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT).
• The presence of bypass diodes in PV modules creates multi-peak power-voltage (P-V) curves under varying irradiance, complicating standard MPPT.
• Existing MPPT methods struggle to maintain optimal performance when PV systems encounter partial shading or uneven sunlight distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate an Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) for robust MPPT in PV systems under non-uniform irradiation conditions.
• To enhance the tracking efficiency and dynamic response of PV systems by overcoming the challenges posed by multi-peak P-V curves.
• To integrate the AOA-MPPT with a single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) for efficient voltage regulation and operation point tracking.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) to perform Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) in photovoltaic systems.
• Employing a single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) with voltage step-up/step-down capabilities to exclude non-operational voltage regions.
• The AOA-MPPT algorithm takes PV module current and voltage as inputs to compute the converter's duty cycle and maintain the maximum power point (MPP).

Main Results:

• The proposed AOA-MPPT demonstrated quick response and excellent steady-state performance in simulations under various non-uniform insolation patterns.
• Tracking efficiency of the AOA-MPPT consistently remained above 99% across all tested non-uniform conditions.
• The settling time for the AOA-MPPT was observed to be between 200 to 300 milliseconds, indicating rapid convergence.

Conclusions:

• The Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) provides an effective solution for MPPT in photovoltaic systems operating under non-uniform conditions.
• The integration of AOA-MPPT with a SEPIC converter ensures reliable tracking of the maximum power point despite challenges like partial shading.
• The proposed method significantly improves tracking efficiency and response speed, making PV systems more robust and productive.