Optimized Fuzzy Controller Based on Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm for Maximum Power-Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

The performance of a photovoltaic (PV) array depends on temperature, radiation, shading and load size. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods have acceptable efficiencies under uniform conditions (irradiance = 1000 W/m2 and temprature =25 °C), but in dynamic weather conditions, load changes, and also in partial shading conditions due to the presence of several local maximum power points (MPP) in the P-V characteristic, the conventional tracking method does not work well in finding the main MPP. To extract maximum power in all conditions, many algorithms have been proposed, all of which have limitations in terms of convergence speed, output power ripple and efficiency. This research proposes an optimized Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) based on the Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA) for MPPT under uniform conditions, dynamic weather conditions, partial shading and under load changes. Finally, the research compared the simulation results with four other popular methods. According to the simulation observations and the result, COA-FLC overcomes the mentioned limitations such as low convergence speed, output power ripple and low tracking efficiency in all conditions. Simulations are performed with MATLAB/Simulink software.