Application of Modified Particle Swarm Optimization for Maximum Power Point Tracking under Partial Shading Condition

Abstract

Solar PV cells usually operate at efficiency less than 20%, never generates maximum power due to change in environmental conditions such as irradiation, temperature, partial shading etc. Maximum power can be generated from PV cell with suitable tracking techniques. A modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) technique is proposed in this paper for tracking maximum power. This proposed evolutionary computation technique assures nearly zero steady state oscillation and faster convergence while tracking maximum power. The proposed PSO algorithm is tested on a CUK converter due to its higher efficiency and ripple free output. Simulations are carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK and the computed results are validated in an experimental setup.