Arithmetic optimization based MPPT for photovoltaic systems operating under nonuniform situations

Photovoltaic (PV) modules may encounter nonuniform situations that reduce their useable power volume, causing ineffective maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Moreover, due to the incorporation of bypass diodes, power-voltage (P-V) graph has multi-peaks when each component of the module receives different solar irradiation. This paper proposes a solution to this problem using an arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) for MPPT in PV systems operating in nonuniform situations. The non-operational regions associated with the voltage are excluded using a single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) with voltage step-up and step-down capability. The AOA-MPPT algorithm gets current and voltage as inputs from the PV modules. It computes the converter's duty cycle and regulates the operational point to keep MPP under all working conditions. The proposed AOA-MPPT's efficacy under different insolation patterns has been validated using three nonuniform conditions in terms of convergence, tracking speed, steady state oscillations, and tracking efficiency. In simulations, the proposed AOA-MPPT method and SEPIC converter demonstrated quick response and excellent steady-state performance. The tracking efficiency of the AOA-MPPT is above 99% and settling time is 200 to 300ms for all three non-uniform conditions.