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Showing papers on "Maximum power point tracking published in 2017"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the concept of power tracking for PV systems is highlighted and an overview on 40 old and recent maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods, available in the literature, is presented and classified.
Abstract: In this paper, the concept of power tracking for PV systems is highlighted and an overview on 40 old and recent Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) methods, available in the literature, is presented and classified. These methods are mathematically modeled and presented in such a way the reader can select the most appropriate method for his own application. A comparative table is presented at the end of the paper to simplify the classification of the different methods.

374 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a state of the art review on various maximum power point techniques for solar PV systems covering timeworn conventional methods and latest soft computing algorithms is presented to date critical analysis on each of the method in terms of tracking speed, algorithm complexity, dynamic tracking under partial shading and hardware implementation is not been carried out.
Abstract: In recent years solar energy has received worldwide attention in the field of renewable energy systems Among the various research thrusts in solar PV, the most proverbial area is extracting maximum power from solar PV system Application dof Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for extracting maximum power is very much appreciated and holds the key in developing efficient solar PV system In this paper, a state of the art review on various maximum power point techniques for solar PV systems covering timeworn conventional methods and latest soft computing algorithms is presented To date critical analysis on each of the method in terms of (1) tracking speed, (2) algorithm complexity, (3) Dynamic tracking under partial shading and (4) hardware implementation is not been carried out In this regard the authors have attempted to compile a comprehensive review on various solar PV MPPT techniques based on the above criteria Further, it is envisaged that the information presented in this review paper will be a valuable gathering of information for practicing engineers as well as for new researchers

358 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a detailed review of various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms implemented in the photovoltaic (PV) generation system useable under partial shading condition is presented.
Abstract: This paper presents a concise and an organized review of various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms implemented in the photovoltaic (PV) generation system useable under partial shading condition Various algorithms, PV modeling techniques, PV array configurations and controller topologies have been widely explored till date But, every technique always has its advantages as well as disadvantages simultaneously; as a result, a proper literature review is essential while designing a PV generation system (PGS) under partial shading condition In this paper, the detailed review of MPPT algorithms has been done The review on MPPT techniques has been classified into mainly four essential groups The first among them includes all the new MPPT optimization algorithms, the second group includes the hybrid MPPT algorithms, the third category includes new modeling approach, and the fourth category includes the various converter topologies This paper provides an accessible reference to undertake mass research works in PV systems in the near future under partial shading condition

314 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a grouped grey wolf optimizer was proposed to obtain the optimal parameters of interactive proportionalintegral controllers of doubly-fed induction generator based wind turbine, such that a maximum power point tracking can be realized together with an improved fault ride-through capability.

311 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an approach to solve optimal power flow combining stochastic wind and solar power with conventional thermal power generators in the system is proposed, where the objective function considers reserve cost for overestimation and penalty cost for underestimation of intermittent renewable sources.

286 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: From the obtained results, it is confirmed that the proposed MPPT provides superior tracking performance in any weather conditions compared to both GWO and PSO+PO-based MPPT algorithms.
Abstract: This paper proposes a new hybrid maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm combining grey wolf optimization (GWO) and perturb & observe (P&O) technique for efficient extraction of maximum power from a photovoltaic system subjected to rapid variation of solar irradiance and partial shading conditions. GWO handles the initial stages of MPPT followed by application of the P&O algorithm at the final stage in view of achieving faster convergence to the global peak (GP). This MPPT thus overcomes the computational overhead as encountered in the case of a GWO-based MPPT algorithm reported earlier by Mohanty et al. The idea behind using the hybrid technique is to scale down the search space of GWO which helps to speed up for achieving convergence toward the GP. The proposed MPPT algorithm is first implemented using MATLAB/Simulink and subsequently an experimental setup is prepared for its practical implementation. From the obtained results, it is confirmed that the proposed MPPT provides superior tracking performance in any weather conditions compared to both GWO and PSO+PO-based MPPT algorithms.

248 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new Bio- inspired MPPT controller based on the Ant colony Optimization algorithm with a New Pheromone Updating strategy (ACO_NPU MPPT) that saves the computation time and performs an excellent tracking capability with high accuracy, zero oscillations and high robustness is proposed.

220 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a local voltage regulation technique that utilizes very short-term (15 s) PV power forecasts to circumvent imminent upper voltage limit violation or an overvoltage scenario is proposed.
Abstract: Distribution voltage profiles are subjected to overvoltage limit violations from high penetration of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. Such voltage rises seen at the point of PV interconnection can be mitigated by adaptively changing the active and/or reactive power injection from the PV inverter. This work proposes a local voltage regulation technique that utilizes very short-term (15 s) PV power forecasts to circumvent imminent upper voltage limit violation or an overvoltage scenario. To provide these PV generation forecasts, a hybrid forecasting method is formulated based on Kalman filter theory, which applies physical PV generation modeling using high-resolution (15 s) data from on-site measurements. The proposed algorithm employs an active power curtailment based on these PV power forecasts, when the reactive power estimate given by a droop-based method cannot provide the desired voltage regulation within predefined power factor limits. The curtailment threshold values are calculated in such a way that this voltage regulation technique can reduce possible voltage limit violations. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated with case studies developed on a standard test feeder with realistic load and PV generation profiles.

206 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a new flower pollination algorithm (FPA) with the ability to reach global peak is proposed, which performs global and local search in single stage and it is a key tool for its success in MPPT application.
Abstract: To maximize solar photovoltaic (PV) output under dynamic weather conditions, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers are incorporated in solar PV systems. However, the occurrence of multiple peaks due to partial shading adds complexity to the tracking process. Even though conventional and soft computing techniques are widely used to solve MPPT problem, conventional methods exhibit limited performance due to fixed step size, whereas soft computing techniques are restricted by insufficient randomness after reaching the vicinity of maximum power. Hence, in this paper, a new flower pollination algorithm (FPA) with the ability to reach global peak is proposed. Optimization process in FPA method performs global and local search in single stage and it is a key tool for its success in MPPT application. The ruggedness of the algorithm is tested with zero, weak, and strong shade pattern. Further, comprehensive performance estimation via simulation and hardware are carried out for FPA method and are quantified with conventional perturb and observe and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods. Results obtained with FPA method show superiority in energy saving and proved to be economical.

201 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A novel control strategy to mitigate the double grid frequency oscillations in the active power and dc-link voltage of the two-stage three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters during unbalanced faults is introduced.
Abstract: Power quality and voltage control are among the most important aspects of the grid-connected power converter operation under faults. Nonsinusoidal current may be injected during unbalanced voltage sag, and active or/and reactive power may include double frequency content. This paper introduces a novel control strategy to mitigate the double grid frequency oscillations in the active power and dc-link voltage of the two-stage three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters during unbalanced faults. With the proposed control method, PV inverter injects sinusoidal currents under unbalanced grid faults. In addition, an efficient and easy-to-implement current limitation method is introduced, which can effectively limit the injected currents to the rated value during faults. In this case, the fault-ride-through operation is ensured, and it will not trigger the overcurrent protection. A non-maximum power point tracking (non-MPPT) operation mode is proposed for the dc–dc converter. The mode is enabled under severe faults when the converter cannot handle the maximum PV power. Finally, experimental validation is provided by implementing a method in an experimental setup, including a 2 kW PV inverter.

186 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The proposed fault detection scheme is based on a pattern recognition approach that employs a multiresolution signal decomposition technique to extract the necessary features, based on which a fuzzy inference system determines if a fault has occurred.
Abstract: This paper presents a detection scheme for DC side short-circuit faults of photovoltaic (PV) arrays that consist of multiple PV panels connected in a series/parallel configuration. Such faults are nearly undetectable under low irradiance conditions, particularly, when a maximum power point tracking algorithm is in-service. If remain undetected, these faults can considerably lower the output energy of solar systems, damage the panels, and potentially cause fire hazards. The proposed fault detection scheme is based on a pattern recognition approach that employs a multiresolution signal decomposition technique to extract the necessary features, based on which a fuzzy inference system determines if a fault has occurred. The presented case studies (both simulation and experimental) demonstrate the effective and reliable performance of the proposed method in detecting PV array faults.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods of PV system for normal and partial shading conditions (PSC) were classified as artificial intelligent, hybrid, and other MPPT methods.
Abstract: This paper discusses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods of PV system for normal and partial shading conditions (PSC). The selected MPPT methods were classified as artificial intelligent, hybrid, and other MPPT methods. The comparison of researches on MPPT methods under normal condition and PSC reveals that researchers have concentrated more on shading conditions since the last few years mainly due to the need of power output and efficiency improvements. It is believed that the information contained in this piece of work will be of great use for the researchers in the field under consideration.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented a methodology for the analysis of frequency dynamics in large-scale power systems with high level of wind energy penetration by means of a simplified model for DFIG-based wind turbines.
Abstract: This paper presents a methodology for the analysis of frequency dynamics in large-scale power systems with high level of wind energy penetration by means of a simplified model for DFIG-based wind turbines. In addition, a virtual inertia controller version of the optimized power point tracking (OPPT) method is implemented for this kind of wind turbines, where the maximum power point tracking curve is shifted to drive variations in the active power injection as a function of both the grid frequency deviation and its time derivative. The proposed methodology integrates the model in a primary frequency control scheme to analyze the interaction with the rest of the plants in the power system. It is also proven that, under real wind conditions, the proposed version of the OPPT method allows us to smooth the wind power injected into the grid, thereby reducing frequency fluctuations.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A comprehensive assessment of the behavior performance of two optimization techniques for extracting the global MPP from the partially shaded PVPS shows that the CS−based tracker has superiority compared with PSO.
Abstract: The characteristics of photovoltaic array under partial shading comprises multiple local MPPs and one global. The classical maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms can’t reach to global MPP. Accordingly, this work aims to study the behavior performance of two optimization techniques. They have been developed for extracting the global MPP from the partially shaded PVPS. The two studied techniques include Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Cuckoo Search (CS). A comprehensive assessment of the two techniques has been carried out against a conventional algorithm of INR−based tracker. The tracking performances of PSO and CS based trackers are evaluated for different partial shading patterns based on MATLAB software. Results confirm that PSO and CS based trackers guarantee the convergence to the global MPP. Furthermore, they have the best performance in comparison with the conventional one. Additionally; the obtained results show that the CS−based tracker has superiority compared with PSO. The tracking time in case of CS−tracker is reduced compared to PSO in all the studied cases.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a modified FA method was proposed to track the global point under various partial shading conditions, which has a faster convergence time compared with the FA, and can effectively suppress power and voltage fluctuations.
Abstract: Photovoltaic modules subjected to partial shading conditions (PSC) can drastically decrease their power output. Hence, there have been various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control algorithms developed to reduce or counteract the shading effects. Recently, a new metaheuristic algorithm known as firefly algorithm (FA) was developed, which, under PSC, has been shown to successfully track the global maximum point (GMP). Nevertheless, the FA still has some inherent problems that may hinder the performance of the MPPT. This paper modifies the existing FA to counteract these problems. As will be demonstrated in this paper, the proposed modified FA method can reduce the number of computation operations and the time for converging to the GMP that the existing FA requires. Experimental results show that the proposed method can track the global point under various PSC, has a faster convergence time compared with the FA, and can effectively suppress power and voltage fluctuations.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a predictive PV inverter control method for very fast and accurate control of active power is proposed, which can increase the effectiveness of various higher-level controls designed to mitigate grid frequency contingency events, including fast power-frequency droop, inertia emulation, and fast frequency response.
Abstract: As deployment of power electronic coupled generation such as photovoltaic (PV) systems increases, grid operators have shown increasing interest in calling on inverter-coupled generation to help mitigate frequency contingency events by rapidly surging active power into the grid. When responding to contingency events, the faster the active power is provided, the more effective it may be for arresting the frequency event. This paper proposes a predictive PV inverter control method for very fast and accurate control of active power. This rapid active power control (RAPC) method will increase the effectiveness of various higher-level controls designed to mitigate grid frequency contingency events, including fast power-frequency droop, inertia emulation, and fast frequency response, without the need for energy storage. The RAPC method, coupled with a maximum power point estimation method, is implemented in a prototype PV inverter connected to a PV array. The prototype inverter’s response to various frequency events is experimentally confirmed to be fast (beginning within 2 line cycles and completing within 4.5 line cycles of a severe test event) and accurate (below 2% steady-state error).

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new single-phase transformerless photovoltaic (PV) inverter for grid-tied PV systems derived from the concept of a charge pump circuit in order to eliminate the leakage current.
Abstract: This paper proposes a new single-phase transformerless photovoltaic (PV) inverter for grid-tied PV systems. The topology is derived from the concept of a charge pump circuit in order to eliminate the leakage current. It is composed of four power switches, two diodes, two capacitors, and an LCL output filter. The neutral of the grid is directly connected to the negative polarity of the PV panel that creates a constant common mode voltage and zero leakage current. The charge pump circuit generates the negative output voltage of the proposed inverter during the negative cycle. A proportional resonant control strategy is used to control the injected current. The main benefits of the proposed inverter are: 1) the neutral of the grid is directly connected to the negative terminal of the PV panel, so the leakage current is eliminated; 2) its compact size; 3) low cost; 4) the used dc voltage of the proposed inverter is the same as the full-bridge inverter (unlike neutral point clamped (NPC), active NPC, and half-bridge inverters); 5) flexible grounding configuration; 6) capability of reactive power flow; and 7) high efficiency. A complete description of the operating principle and analysis of the proposed inverter are presented. Experimental results are presented to confirm both the theoretical analysis and the concept of the proposed inverter. The obtained results clearly validate the performance of the proposed inverter and its practical application in grid-tied PV systems.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, various sizing, modelling, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods have been reviewed for the efficient operation of grid-connected PV systems, with the objective of adding flexibility in load management and overcoming some important power quality problems.
Abstract: Today, photovoltaic (PV) plants are receiving a significant attention due to their intrinsic ability to directly transform solar energy in electrical energy. However, electricity generated from PV plants can rarely provide immediate response to load demand, as these sources do not deliver a regular supply immediately compatible with consumers’ needs. Recently, an important attention has been devoted to the use of energy storage in grid-connected PV plants, with the objective of adding flexibility in load management and overcoming some important power quality problems of real distribution grids. This makes PV plants more useful and attractive. Several battery management techniques have been underlying as a way to create more price-responsive demand and as a way to integrate PV plants more effectively into power grid. However, the development of energy policies constraint the wider deployment of PV systems. In this paper, various sizing, modelling, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods have been reviewed for the efficient operation of grid-connected PV systems. Dispatch strategies for stored energy that maximize the financial value of battery-PV systems along with several optimization techniques are discussed. Power quality and control technology issues of grid-connected PV systems are also covered. The economic and environmental benefits of grid-connected PV systems are underlined and operational and maintenance issues of PV-battery power systems have been included. The present paper aims at reviewing some technical challenges on the current state of PV systems based on energy policies, various cell technologies, MPPT and converter/inverter technology, energy management and scheduling techniques, reliability, power quality and control systems issues.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of single-phase grid-connected inverters is presented in a systematic manner, covering standards and specifications of singlephase gridconnected inverter, summary of inverter types, historical development of inverters technologies, classifications of the inverter topologies and some transformer-less topologies based on bridge configuration and multilevel concept.
Abstract: The concept of injecting photovoltaic power into the utility grid has earned widespread acceptance in these days of renewable energy generation & distribution. Grid-connected inverters have evolved significantly with high diversity. Efficiency, size, weight, reliability etc. have all improved significantly with the development of modern and innovative inverter configurations and these factors have influenced the cost of producing inverters. In this review work, all aspects covering standards and specifications of single-phase grid-connected inverter, summary of inverter types, historical development of inverter technologies, classifications of inverter topologies are presented in a systematic manner. Finally, some transformer-less topologies based on bridge configuration and multilevel concept, and some soft-switching inverter topologies are remarked as desirable with respect to high efficiency, low cost, and compact structure. Areas of further works including use of advanced semiconductor devices, improvement of de-coupling capacitor etc. are also pointed out to draw attention of inverter designer for further increase of efficiency and lowering the cost.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a two-stage robust centralized-optimal dispatch model is proposed to achieve a robust PV inverter dispatch solution considering the PV output uncertainties, and the conic relaxation-based branch flow formulation and the column-and-constraint generation algorithm are employed to deal with the proposed robust optimization model.
Abstract: Optimally dispatching photovoltaic (PV) inverters is an efficient way to avoid overvoltage in active distribution networks, which may occur in the case of the PV generation surplus load demand. Typically, the dispatching optimization objective is to identify critical PV inverters that have the most significant impact on the network voltage level. Following, it ensures the optimal set-points of both active power and reactive power for the selected inverters, guaranteeing the entire system operating constraints (e.g., the network voltage magnitude) within reasonable ranges. However, the intermittent nature of solar PV energy may affect the selection of the critical PV inverters and also the final optimal objective value. In order to address this issue, a two-stage robust centralized-optimal dispatch model is proposed in this paper to achieve a robust PV inverter dispatch solution considering the PV output uncertainties. In addition, the conic relaxation-based branch flow formulation and the column-and-constraint generation algorithm are employed to deal with the proposed robust optimization model. Case studies on a 33-bus distribution network and comparisons with the deterministic optimization approach have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the most advanced active power filters (APFs) were evaluated by reducing the number of power switches and focus on the reduction of cost, size, and weight of grid-connected inverters.
Abstract: The deep integration of renewable energy resources, including solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) energy, mainly depend on the inexpensive technological improvement of global emissions and the precise techniques for power quality. Grid-connected inverters act as key components in distributed generation systems for cutting-edge technology. The inverter connects the renewable energy sources and power distribution network systems for the conversion of power. In grid-connected systems, several current and voltage harmonics affect the system performances. Likewise, highly unstable devices coupled with the growing demand for nonlinear loads and renewable energy resources influence the power networks and systems performance in terms of power quality. The effective solutions to these problems are passive filters (PFs), static var generators, and active power filters (APFs). However, the use of PFs in a high-power system increases its cost, size, and weight. This study aims to assess the most advanced APFs by reducing the number of power switches and focus on the reduction of cost, size, and weight of grid-connected inverters. Several studies compared and evaluated reduced-switch-count APF inverter topologies, such as AC–AC, back-to-back, and common leg, under the single-phase and three-phase systems. Recently, cost-effective solutions to reduce the number of components, transformerless inverters, multilevel and multifunctional inverters based on the APF in PV, and wind energy conversion systems have been greatly explored. The current techniques and their limitations for developing advanced inverter-based devices for renewable energy systems are discussed with justifications. Therefore, this review would potentially help industrial researchers improve power quality in PV and WT energies and power distribution network systems.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The key feature of the proposed supervisory power management system is reduced number of sensors required and a better dc-link voltage regulation is achieved and the usage of supercapacitors reduces the current stress on the battery.
Abstract: This paper proposes a supervisory power management system (PMS) for a grid interactive microgrid with a hybrid energy storage system. The key feature of the proposed PMS is reduced number of sensors required to implement the PMS. The PMS considers renewable power variation, grid availability, electricity pricing, and changes in local loads. It can detect the operating mode of system without measuring load currents and powers. A single-phase voltage source converter (VSC) transfers real power between dc grid and utility grid besides offering ancillary services such as harmonic mitigation, reactive power support, and unity power factor at the point of common coupling (PCC). In the proposed system, a better dc-link voltage regulation is achieved and the usage of supercapacitors reduces the current stress on the battery. The PMS also addresses extreme operating conditions such as load shedding, off-maximum power point tracking operation of photovoltaic, elimination of critical oscillation of hybrid energy storage systems power, islanded operation, and resynchronization with grid. The performance of the proposed PMS is verified by digital simulation and experimental studies.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparative study on the characteristics of different non-isolated DC-DC converters and highlights the various research works that has been done on DCDC converter with maximum power point tracker (MPPT) based PV system is presented.
Abstract: Concerns over environment and increased demand of energy have led the world to think about alternate energy sources such as wind, hydro, solar and fuel cells. Out of these, photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems have become increasingly important all over the world due its availability, cleanness, low maintenance cost and inexhaustible nature. But power produced by the photovoltaic system is stochastic in nature due to the variation of solar irradiation and cell temperature throughout the day. In order to track the varying power, a DC-DC converter with maximum power point tracker (MPPT) is used. Different MPPT algorithms have been proposed for tracking peak power from the PV panel. Selection of adequate DC-DC converter is also an important factor since it has an influence on overall performance of the PV system. This paper presents a comparative study on the characteristics of different non-isolated DC-DC converters and highlights the various research works that has been done on DC-DC converters based MPPT PV system. Study shows that selection of converter also has an impact on the overall performance of the PV system. Based on the survey and comparative study, selection criteria to choose DC-DC converter for PV system is described in this paper.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, three new physical PV array arrangements are proposed to mitigate partial shading effects, based on maximizing the distance between adjacent PV modules within a PV array by appropriately arranging modules in different rows and columns without changing the electrical connections.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a sensorless current (SC) MPPT algorithm using model predictive control (MPC) was proposed to eliminate the current sensor that is usually required for well-known MPPT techniques such as perturb and observe (P&O) by predicting the PV system states in horizon of time.
Abstract: Variability in the solar irradiance level and ambient temperature of photovoltaic (PV) systems necessitates the use of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of PV systems to ensure continuous harvesting of maximum power This paper presents a sensorless current (SC) MPPT algorithm using model predictive control (MPC) The main contribution of this paper is the use of model-based predictive control principle to eliminate the current sensor that is usually required for well-known MPPT techniques such as perturb and observe (P&O) By predicting the PV system states in horizon of time, the proposed method becomes an elegant, embedded controller that allows faster response and lower power ripple in steady state than the conventional P&O technique under rapidly changing atmospheric conditions This becomes possible without requiring expensive sensing and communications equipment and networks for direct measurement of solar irradiation changes The performance of the proposed SC-MPC-MPPT with reduced load sensitivity is evaluated on the basis of industrial European Efficiency Test, EN 50530, that assesses the performance of PV systems under dynamic environmental conditions The proposed control technique is implemented experimentally using dSPACE DS1007 platform to verify the simulation results

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a single-stage solar PV energy conversion system feeding a brushless dc motor-pump, which eliminates the dc-dc conversion stage, is proposed to operate the solar PV array at its peak power using a common voltage source inverter.
Abstract: In order to optimize the solar photovoltaic (PV) generated power using a maximum power point tracking technique, a dc–dc conversion stage is usually required in solar PV fed water pumping which is driven by a brushless dc (BLDC) motor. This power conversion stage leads to an increased cost, size, complexity, and reduced efficiency. As a unique solution, this paper addresses a single stage solar PV energy conversion system feeding a BLDC motor-pump, which eliminates the dc–dc conversion stage. A simple control technique capable of operating the solar PV array at its peak power using a common voltage source inverter is proposed for BLDC motor control. The proposed control eliminates the BLDC motor phase current sensors. No supplementary control is associated for the speed control of motor-pump and its soft start. The speed is controlled through the optimum power of solar PV array. The suitability of proposed system is manifested through its performance evaluation using MATLAB/Simulink-based simulated results and experimental validation on a developed prototype, under the practical operating conditions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper proposes a reactive power flow control pursuing the active integration of photovoltaic systems in LV distribution networks, and an alternative power flow analysis is performed according to the specific characteristics of LV networks, such as high resistance/reactance ratio and radial topologies.
Abstract: This paper proposes a reactive power flow control pursuing the active integration of photovoltaic systems in LV distribution networks. An alternative power flow analysis is performed according to the specific characteristics of LV networks, such as high resistance/reactance ratio and radial topologies. The proposed solution gives high performances, in terms of rms-voltage regulation, by estimating the reactive power reference on each node considering the influence of the rest of the nodes in terms of active and reactive power demanded/generated by them. The local control of each photovoltaic system is based on the power converter control, interfacing these units with the grid and the loads respectively. The local control is designed on the basis of locally measured feedback variables. Photovoltaic units thus guarantee universal operation, being able to change between islanding-mode and grid-connected mode without disrupting critical loads connected to them, and allowing smooth transitions. Exhaustive results are also included and discussed in this paper.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A hybrid of “Jaya” and “differential evolution (DE)” (JayaDE) technique for MPPT in the highly fluctuating atmospheric conditions is introduced and the satisfactory steady-state and dynamic performances of this new hybrid technique show the superiority over the state-of-the-art control methods.
Abstract: In photovoltaic (PV) array, the output power and the power–voltage ( P – V ) characteristic of PV array are totally dependent on the temperature and solar insolation. Therefore, if these atmospheric parameters fluctuate rapidly, then the maximum power point (MPP) of the P–V curve of PV array also fluctuates very rapidly. This rapid fluctuation of the MPP may be in accordance with the uniform shading of the PV panel or may be in accordance to the partially shaded due to the clouds, tall building, trees, and raindrops. However, in both cases, the MPP tracking (MPPT) is not only a nonlinear problem, this becomes a highly nonlinear problem, which solution is time bounded. Because the highly fluctuating atmospheric conditions change the P–V characteristic after every small time duration. This paper introduces a hybrid of “Jaya” and “differential evolution (DE)” (JayaDE) technique for MPPT in the highly fluctuating atmospheric conditions. This JayaDE algorithm is tested on MATLAB simulator and is verified on a developed hardware of the solar PV system, which consists of a single peak and many multiple peaks in the voltage–power curve. Moreover, the tracking ability is compared with the recent state of the art methods. The satisfactory steady-state and dynamic performances of this new hybrid technique under variable irradiance and temperature levels show the superiority over the state-of-the-art control methods.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a cost-effective solution to realize the power reserve for two-stage grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems is proposed, which routinely employs a maximum power point tracking control to estimate the available PV power and a constant power generation (CPG) control to achieve the energy reserve.
Abstract: Due to the still increasing penetration of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems, advanced active power control functionalities have been introduced in grid regulations. A power reserve control, where namely the active power from the PV panels is reserved during operation, is required for grid support. In this paper, a cost-effective solution to realize the power reserve for two-stage grid-connected PV systems is proposed. The proposed solution routinely employs a maximum power point tracking control to estimate the available PV power and a constant power generation (CPG) control to achieve the power reserve. In this method, the solar irradiance and temperature measurements that have been used in conventional power reserve control schemes to estimate the available PV power are not required, and thereby, being a sensorless approach with reduced cost. Experimental tests have been performed on a 3-kW two-stage single-phase grid-connected PV system, where the power reserve control is achieved upon demands.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a humpback whale hunting behavior inspired whale optimization with differential evolution (WODE) technique-based tracking algorithm for the maximum power point tracking in the dynamic as well as the steady-state conditions of a partially shaded solar photovoltaic (PV) system is introduced.
Abstract: This paper introduces a humpback whale hunting behavior inspired whale optimization with differential evolution (WODE) technique-based tracking algorithm for the maximum power point tracking in the dynamic as well as the steady-state conditions of a partially shaded solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This “WODE” technique is used for quick and oscillation-free tracking of the global best peak position in a few steps. The unique advantage of this algorithm for maximum power point tracking in partially shaded condition is as, it is free from common and generalized problems of other evolutionary techniques, like longer convergence duration, a large number of search particles, steady-state oscillation, heavy computational burden, etc., which creates power loss and oscillations in output. This hybrid algorithm is tested in MATLAB simulation and verified on a developed hardware of the solar PV system, which consists of multiple peaks in voltage-power curve. Moreover, the tracking ability is compared with the state-of-the-art methods. The satisfactory steady-state and dynamic performances of the new hybrid technique under variable irradiance and temperature levels show the superiority over the state-of-the-art control methods.