A novel hybrid optimization technique for maximum power point tracking under partial shading

Abstract

Optimum solar electric power generation is performed by the use of an optimum power point tracking technique. During different atmospheric environmental conditions such as normal shading and partial shading, the optimized maximum power point tracking (OPPT) is necessary. The latest algorithms for optimum power point tracking have shortcomings that will be overcome by an algorithm proposed in this paper. This algorithm is a hybrid algorithm called as overall distribution-weighted differential evolution (OD-WDE) OPPT algorithm. The OD-WDE finds out the correct optimum power point direction in a multiple power point scenario with a short time period. Two different shading conditions such as 20% shading and 40% shading have been considered for testing the ruggedness of OD-WDE. The performance of the proposed OD-WDE is compared with the other two latest algorithms such as particle swarm algorithm (PSO) and perturb and observe (P and O) algorithm. The simulation and experimental results show that the OD-WDE algorithm exhibits better performance on effectiveness and efficiency for tracking of a solar panel for optimum power generation point.