A Robust Maximum Power Point Tracking Control under Shading Effects on Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

This article studies the behavior of a photovoltaic system under uncertain climatic conditions. The perturb and observe method is widely used in photovoltaic systems, but it encounters stability difficulties around maximum power points. The search for the maximum power point using the perturb and observe algorithms based on PSO is proposed using a PI controller. The proposed method enables the controller to follow the MPP perfectly, with less deviation from its trajectory. This method is applied to controlling the duty cycle of a boost converter. A test under variations in irradiance and temperature demonstrated the robustness of the method applied and its performance in terms of voltage and power stability. Simulation results obtained with MATLA/Simulink software show that MPPT-based PSO control can be used to improve the performance and efficiency of a photovoltaic system in domestic loads or industrial applications.