Optimal operating point tracking in a stand-alone PV system using particle swarm optimisation

In this paper, particle swarm optimisation (PSO) technique is employed to determine the optimal operating point of a photovoltaic module used in a stand-alone PV system. The PSO algorithm identifies the maximum power point by determining the array voltage at maximum point (V). This value is utilised as a reference value to a voltage controller to adjust the duty cycle of a boost converter such that the PV operating point is forced to operate at the maximum power point. The obtained results demonstrated the advantages of the proposed tracking system in terms of high tracking efficiency and relatively low convergence time. Moreover, the proposed method is compared to some other tracking methods. The results indicate that the method is reliable and accurate.

Keywords: renewable energy, PV arrays, particle swarm optimisation, PSO, boost converters, photovoltaic arrays, tracking efficiency, convergence time, solar energy, solar power