Hussein Madi - Zahra Fadel (E) PDF

2012/2013
FINAL YEAR PROJECT

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for
ENGINEERING DEGREE FROM THE LEBANESE UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING- BRANCH III
Major: Electrical Engineering in Industrial Control
By :
Hussein MADI
Zahra FADEL
________________________________________________
MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING OF PHOTOVOLTAIC

SYSTEM USING PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION
ALGORITHM
Advisor:
Dr. Youssef HARKOUS
Defended on July 8, 2013 in front of the jury:
Dr. Imad MOUGHARBEL

Dr. Youssef HARKOUS
Dr. Mazen GHANDOUR
President
Member
Member
Maximum Power Point Tracking Of Photovoltaic System Using Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to GOD for every blessing he has given us.
We would like to thank the faculty of engineering for hosting us for five years.
Specials thanks go to the principle of our faculty Dr. Mohammad HAMDAN and chief
department Dr. Zouheir EL-HAJJ for their efforts and valuable teaching system.
Our deepest appreciations go to Dr. Youssef HARKOUS for his time, effort, and advice as a
supervisor and academic professor.
I would also like to thank the jury members for allowing us an opportunity to present this report.
We also want to make a special thanks to our parents who were always supportive and
encouraged us to reach this level of education.
We also want to thank our friends for having so much fun together during our journey in the
university.
Finally we thank everyone who participated in making this work achievable, hoping that our
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
project will be an important step into a successful career.
ABSTRACT
As the global fossil energy reduces rapidly, we must find renewable energy such as solar power.
Due to such advantages as the pollution-free, low maintenance and no noise, photovoltaic (PV)
systems are gaining increasing importance as a renewable energy. The PV system exhibits a
nonlinear power-voltage characteristic, its maximum power point (MPP) varies with irradiance
and temperature. Under partial shading conditions, it is possible to have multiple local maxima in
some cases, but overall there is only one true MPP. This phenomenon not only affects the power
output of the PV systems, but also leads to security and reliability problems. Traditional methods
are difficult to find the true MPP fast and accurately. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is more
suitable to search the global optimum in the PV system. In this project, an improved PSO
strategy, called variable size of particle swarm optimization, is applied to maximum power point
ABSTRACT
tracking (MPPT).
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 2
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 9
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
1
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING ............................................................................... 11

1.1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 12
1.2
ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF PV SYSTEMS .................................................................................................... 13
1.2.1 Advantages ............................................................................................................................................. 13
1.2.2 Limitations .............................................................................................................................................. 13
1.3
PV HIERARCHY ................................................................................................................................................ 13
1.3.1 PV cell...................................................................................................................................................... 13
1.3.2 PV module ............................................................................................................................................... 14
1.4
SOLAR PANEL (SP) OR PV GENERATOR (PVG), AND PV ARRAY ................................................................................ 14
1.5
PV CELL OPERATION.......................................................................................................................................... 15
1.6
PV MODELS .................................................................................................................................................... 15
1.6.1 PV cell model .......................................................................................................................................... 15
1.6.1.1
1.6.1.2
Single diode model ......................................................................................................................................... 16

Double diode model ....................................................................................................................................... 16
1.6.2 PV Module and Array Model................................................................................................................... 17

1.7
MODELING: MATLAB/SIMULINK ....................................................................................................................... 19
1.8
PROTECTION OF PVG........................................................................................................................................ 21
1.9
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................................... 23
2
PURSUIT OF THE MAXIMUM POWER POINT (PMPP) IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM ...................................... 24

2.1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 25
2.2
DISTURBANCES OF MPP .................................................................................................................................... 25
2.3
RESEARCH ALGORITHMS FOR MPP ...................................................................................................................... 26
2.3.1 Adaptive control algorithm ..................................................................................................................... 27
2.3.2 Hill climbing algorithm ............................................................................................................................ 27
2.3.3 Increment of conductance algorithm ..................................................................................................... 28
2.3.4 Algorithm "Perturb and Observe"........................................................................................................... 30
2.3.5 The fuzzy control ..................................................................................................................................... 32
2.4
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................................... 38
THEORY OF PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION (PSO) .................................................................................... 39
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 40
BASIC PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM................................................................................................ 41
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE BASIC PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM...................................... 43
THE IMPROVEMENT OF PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM ......................................................................... 43
CONTENTS
3.4.1 Inertia weights ........................................................................................................................................ 43

3.4.2 Increase convergence factor ................................................................................................................... 44
3.4.3 Fully informed particle swarm (FIPS) ...................................................................................................... 44
3.5
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................................... 45
4
IMPROVED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION BASED MPPT FOR PV SYSTEM ............................................... 46

4.1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 47
4.2
BOOST TYPE DC- DC CONVERTER........................................................................................................................ 47
4.3
APPLICATION OF PSO ON MPPT ........................................................................................................................ 51
4.3.1 MPPT for single peak .............................................................................................................................. 51
4.3.1.1
4.3.1.2
4.3.1.3
4.3.2
MPPT for multi-peaks ............................................................................................................................. 56
4.3.2.1
4.3.2.2
4.3.2.3
4.4
Algorithm ........................................................................................................................................................ 51
MATLAB Simulations ....................................................................................................................................... 53
Results ............................................................................................................................................................ 55
Algorithm ........................................................................................................................................................ 56
MATLAB Simulations ....................................................................................................................................... 57
Results ............................................................................................................................................................ 58
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................................... 62
CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................................... 63
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................................... 64
CONTENTS
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................................................. 65
FIGURE 1-1: APPLICATIONS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS [1] .......................................................................................... 12

FIGURE 1-2: BASIC PV CELL STRUCTURE [4] ................................................................................................................... 13
FIGURE 1-3: GROUPS OF SOLAR CELLS CAN BE PACKAGED INTO MODULES, PANELS AND ARRAYS TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC
POWER OUTPUT ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
FIGURE 1-4: OPERATION OF A PV CELL[4] ...................................................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 1-5: SCHEMATIC OF THE SINGLE DIODE MODEL[1] .............................................................................................. 16
FIGURE 1-6: SCHEMATIC OF THE DOUBLE DIODE MODEL[1] ............................................................................................ 16
FIGURE 1-7-A: GENERALIZED ARRAY MODEL [4] ............................................................................................................ 18
FIGURE 1-7-B: APPROXIMATE ARRAY MODEL [4] ............................................................................................................ 18
FIGURE 1-7-C: SIMPLIFIED ARRAY MODEL[4] .................................................................................................................. 19
FIGURE 1-8: MODEL OF A PV CELL [1] ............................................................................................................................ 19
FIGURE 1-9: PV CELL CONNECTED TO A VARIABLE LOAD [1] .......................................................................................... 19
FIGURE 1-10: I-V AND P-V CHARACTERISTICS [1]........................................................................................................... 20
FIGURE 2-1: BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE MPP SEARCH ALGORITHM[1] .............................................................................. 25
FIGURE 2-2: SEARCH FOR THE MPP FOLLOWING THE VARIATION OF SUNSHINE, LOAD AND TEMPERATURE [1] .............. 26
FIGURE 2-3: FLOWCHART OF THE ADAPTIVE CONTROL ALGORITHM [1] .......................................................................... 27
FIGURE 2-4: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DUTY CYCLE AND POWER [1] ........................................................................ 28
FIGURE 2-5: FLOWCHART OF THE HILL CLIMBING SEARCH ALGORITHM [1] .................................................................... 28
FIGURE 2-6: POSITION OF MPP IN TERMS OF (DIPV)/ (DVPV) [1 ....................................................................................... 30
FIGURE 2-7: FLOWCHART OF THE INCREMENT OF CONDUCTANCE ALGORITHM [1] ...................................................... 30
FIGURE 2-8: MPP IN FUNCTION OF P AND V [1] ......................................................................................................... 31
FIGURE 2-9: FLOWCHART OF THE P & O ALGORITHM [1] ................................................................................................ 31
FIGURE 2-10: P&O BLOCK IN SIMULINK[1] .................................................................................................................... 32
FIGURE 2-11: STEPS OF FUZZY CONTROL [1] ................................................................................................................... 32
FIGURE 2-12: ADOPTED FUZZY CONTROLLER[1] ............................................................................................................. 33
FIGURE 2-13: MEMBERSHIP FUNCTIONS OF INPUT VARIABLES: (A) E AND (B) E[1] ..................................................... 34
FIGURE 2-14: MEMBERSHIP FUNCTIONS OF THE OUTPUT VARIABLE DD [1] ..................................................................... 34
FIGURE 2-15: CHARACTERISTIC OF A SP [1] .................................................................................................................... 37
FIGURE 2-16: NUMERIC RESULT OBTAINED BY INFERENCE BLOCK FOR E=0 AND E=0.5[1] .......................................... 38
FIGURE 3-1: HOW CAN BIRDS OR FISH EXHIBIT SUCH A COORDINATED COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR? [2] ............................... 40
FIGURE 3-2: TERMINOLOGY OF PSO [3] .......................................................................................................................... 42
FIGURE 4-1: THE OUTPUT VOLTAGE VO AND INPUT VOLTAGE VI OF A DC-DC CONVERTER [1] ...................................... 48
FIGURE 4-2: PRINCIPLE OF PWM MODULATION [1] ......................................................................................................... 48
FIGURE 4-3: CONVERTER [1] ........................................................................................................................................... 49
FIGURE 4-4: OPERATION AROUND THE MPP [1] .............................................................................................................. 50
FIGURE 4-5: PSO PARTICLE MOVEMENTS IN SEARCHING FOR THE MPP [2] ..................................................................... 52
FIGURE 4-6: CONNECTION WITH THE P & O ALGORITHM [1] ........................................................................................... 53
FIGURE 4-7: CONNECTION USING FUZZY CONTROL [1] .................................................................................................... 54
FIGURE 4-8: DIAGRAM OF COMPLETE SYSTEM OF PSO IN SINGLE PEAK ........................................................................ 54
FIGURE 4-9: THE MAXIMUM TRACKED POWER OF THE PV MODEL USING PSO ALGORITHM .......................................... 55
FIGURE 4-10: PSO, P&O AND FUZZY LOGIC RESULTS IN TRACKING THE MPP .............................................................. 55
FIGURE 4-11: MPPT TRACKING BY PSO DURING PARTIAL SHADING [2] ......................................................................... 56
FIGURE 4-12: DIAGRAM OF COMPLETE SYSTEM OF PSO IN MULTI-PEAKS ..................................................................... 57
FIGURE 4-13: P-V CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIRST SIMULATION .................................................................................. 58
FIGURE 4-14: VPV OF THE FIRST SIMULATION COMPARED TO THAT OBTAINED FROM NEURAL AND FUZZY LOGIC
CONTROL .............................................................................................................................................................. 58
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 4-15: PPV OF THE FIRST SIMULATION COMPARED TO THAT OBTAINED FROM NEURAL AND FUZZY LOGIC
CONTROL .............................................................................................................................................................. 59
FIGURE 4-16: PPV(AVERAGE) OF THE FIRST SIMULATION COMPARED TO THAT OBTAINED FROM NEURAL AND FUZZY LOGIC
CONTROL .............................................................................................................................................................. 59
FIGURE 4.17: P-V CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SECOND SIMULATION............................................................................... 60
FIGURE 4-18: VPV OF THE SECOND SIMULATION COMPARED TO THAT OBTAINED FROM NEURAL AND FUZZY LOGIC
CONTROL .............................................................................................................................................................. 60
FIGURE 4-19: PPV OF THE SECOND SIMULATION COMPARED TO THAT OBTAINED FROM NEURAL AND FUZZY LOGIC
CONTROL .............................................................................................................................................................. 60
FIGURE 4-20: PPV(AVERAGE) OF THE SECOND SIMULATION COMPARED TO THAT OBTAINED FROM NEURAL - FUZZY LOGIC
CONTROL .............................................................................................................................................................. 61
FIGURE A: PSO ALGORITHM MODEL IN SIMULINK ........................................................................................................ 65
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 2-1: NUMERICAL INTERVALS OF DIFFERENT VARIABLES (E, E AND DD): (A) E, (B) E AND (C) DD (TRAP:
TRAPEZOIDAL AND TRIANG: TRIANGULAR).. ................................................................................................... 35
TABLE 2-2: BASE RULES. ................................................................................................................................... 37
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
PSO: Particle Swarm Optimization
PV: Photovoltaic
MPP: Maximum Power Point
MPPT: Maximum Power Point Tracking
PMPP: Pursuit of Maximum Power Point
MPPG: Maximum Power Point Global
SP: Solar Panel
PVG: Photovoltaic Generator
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
P&O: Perturb And Observe
INTRODUCTION
Solar energy has become an alternative source of energy of high importance. For this many
research efforts have been focused on improving the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems and
accessibility of this technology.
The photovoltaic system is constructed using one or more panels, solar power interface and a
load. DC - DC power converter is used as an interface between the PV array and the load, which
admits a Maximum Power Point (MPP) at a precise load value. This point is not stable; it
undergoes changes as parameters modify the behavior of the PV system, such as solar radiation.
What makes it necessary to search for a control technique which consists in acting on the duty
cycle of the DC - DC converter in order to pursuit the MPP. This report presents an intelligent
approach to be able to pursuit the MPP with the aid of technologies based on particle swarm
optimization (PSO) algorithm.
This report is divided into four chapters.
The first chapter presents a reminder of PV systems, their importance, their limitations and the
principle of operation of PV cells. This chapter also presents models that are used to simulate the
PV cells. The second chapter is devoted to the presentation of the algorithms used for pursuit of
MPP (PMPP). The third chapter presents the principle of PSO including a summary of its
advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, some kinds of improved versions of PSO will be
introduced in a general manner.
In the fourth and final chapter, we will propose an improved maximum power point tracking
(MPPT) method for the PV system using a modified PSO algorithm .Furthermore, the results
obtained from this algorithm will be compared with the P &O (Perturb and Observe) and fuzzy
logic algorithms for the single peak characteristics of the P-V . A similar comparison is done for
INTRODUCTION
the multi-peak characteristic of the P-V between the PSO and neural-fuzzy logic algorithms.
10
CHAPTER ONE
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND
MODELING
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING
11
1.1 Introduction
Developing alternative energy resources with high efficiency and low emission has become of
great importance with increasing concerns about fossil fuel deficit, high oil prices, global
warming, and damage to environment and ecosystem. Abundance and sustainability of solar
radiant energy are important factors that characterize the energy through the PV effect among the
renewable energy resources.
PV systems offer consumers the ability to produce electricity from a clean, quiet and reliable
source. These systems consist of photovoltaic cells that convert light energy directly into
electrical energy. And since the light source is usually the sun, they are called "Solar Cells".
The term "photovoltaic" comes from "photo" meaning light and "Voltaic", which means the
production of electricity. Therefore, the process "photovoltaic" means the production of electricity
directly from sunlight. The term "photovoltaic" is often referred to as "PV".
Nowadays, PV systems are installed by persons or governments that are interested in the
environment.
Often, PV systems are embedded in many applications (figure 1-1). For some applications where
small amounts of electricity are needed, such as emergency boxes, PV systems are used, even
when the mains are not very far. For applications that necessitate larger amounts of electricity and
are located far from existing power lines, PV systems can in many cases be the most viable, and
Figure 1-1: Applications of photovoltaic systems [1]

These systems are in use today for lights and even to generate public electricity for remote
cottages and residences. They made a great popularity around the world as their price decrease
and their efficiency increases in function of time.
cheaper option.
12
1.2 Advantages and limitations of PV systems

1.2.1
Advantages
PV systems offer many advantages, including the following:

1. They are safe, clean and quiet to operate.
2. They are very reliable.
3. They practically do not require maintenance.
4. They operate profitably in remote areas and for many residential and commercial applications.
5. They are flexible and can be extended at any time to meet your electrical needs.
6. They give you greater autonomy, independence from mains, and safeguard you in case of
failure.
1.2.2
Limitations
In addition to benefits, we must take into account the practical limitations of PV systems:
1. PV systems are not well suited for uses which highly consume energy as heat.
2. Solar energy is dependent on the presence of the sun, sometimes PV systems does not produce
any energy because of the absence of the sun which leads to a lack of energy.
1.3 PV Hierarchy
1.3.1
PV cell
As shown in figure 1-2, PV cell is basically a semiconductor p-n junction-based photodiode. This
semiconductor photodiode generates electrical power when exposed to light .PV cells can be
silicon are the most common types known commercially.
Figure 1-2: Basic PV cell structure [4]
made up of various semiconductor materials. But mono-crystalline silicon and poly-crystalline
13
1.3.2
PV module
The power produced by a single PV cell is not enough for general use. Therefore, by connecting
PV cells in series, higher voltage can be obtained and in parallel higher current can be obtained
consequently higher power. Generally, a combined series and parallel connection of PV cells is
known as a module. Mostly, commercial modules consist of 36 or 72 cells. The modules consist
of transparent front side, encapsulated PV cells, and back side. The front side material is usually
made up of low-iron and tempered glass. The efficiency of a PV module is less than a PV cell due
to the fact that some solar irradiation is reflected by the glass cover and frame shadowing.
1.4 Solar Panel (SP) or PV Generator (PVG), and PV array

The PV cell is the basic unit of a solar panel, but it is intended to produce a small power of a few
watts. The need for large power causes the need for collection of identical cells to form a module
or a solar panel, in order to increase the power generated.
As shown in figure1-3, a PV array (system) is an interconnection of solar panels which in turn is
made up of several modules that it is consisted of many PV cells connected in series and parallel.
The power produced by a single module is seldom enough for commercial use, so modules are
connected to form a solar panel to supply the load. Modules can also be connected in series to get
Figure 1-3: Groups of solar cells can be packaged into modules, panels and arrays to
provide a specific power output
an increased voltage or in parallel to get an increased current.
14
1.5 PV cell operation

The principle of operation of a PV cell is based on the basic principle of photoelectric effect as
shown in figure1-4. Photoelectric effect can be defined as a phenomenon in which an electron
gets ejected from the conduction band as a consequence of the absorption of sunlight of a certain
wavelength by a material either metallic, non-metallic, solids, liquids or gases .So, in a PV cell,
when sunlight strikes its surface, some portion of the solar energy is absorbed in the
semiconductor material. If the absorbed energy is greater than the band gap energy of the
semiconductor, the electron from the valence band jumps to the conduction band. By this, pairs of
hole-electron are created in the illuminated region of the semiconductor. The electrons thus
created in the conduction band are now free to move. These free electrons are forced to move in a
particular direction by the action of the electric field presented in the PV cells. These flowing
electrons constitute current and can be drawn for external use by connecting a metal plate on top
and bottom of PV cells. Current and voltage (created because of its built-in electric field) generate
Figure 1-4: Operation of a PV cell[4]
1.6 PV models
1.6.1
PV cell model
Cells are represented by two different models:
Single diode model
Dual diodes model
electric power.
15
1.6.1.1 Single diode model
In the model shown in figure 1-5, the PV cell is represented by a current source parallel to a
diode. The current source is represented by a current generated by the light, Iph. This current
varies linearly with the variation of the solar radiation.
Figure 1-5: Schematic of the single diode model[1]

The characteristic equation of this model is as follows:
[
1.6.1.2 Double diode model
This model contains, in addition, a second diode placed in parallel with the current source. This
diode is included to improve the accuracy characteristics of the PV cell. In addition, it takes into
account the difference in the current flow when the current is low due to the charge recombination
Figure 1-6: Schematic of the double diode model[1]

The characteristic equation of this model is as follows:
[
Where Iph is the current generated by the light:
in the region of depletion of the semiconductor. Figure 1-6 shows this model.
16
Ir: radiation (light intensity) in W/m2 captured by the cell.

Iph0: current measured for radiation generated IR0.
ID, ID1 and ID2: saturation currents of the diodes D, D1 and D2.
N, N1 and N2: factors of purities respectively for diodes D, D1 and D2.
I: current output of the PV cell.
V: voltage across the output of the PV cell.
Rpa and Rse: parallel resistance and series resistance representing the losses of the PV cell.
Vt = KT / q: thermal voltage.
k = 1.38 10 -23 j/ K: Boltzmann constant.
q = 1.67 10-19 coulomb C ': elementary charge of an electron.
T: temperature in K.
The parameters of the PV cell depend on temperature. This dependence is shown by the following
equation:
(
KT: temperature coefficient for Iph.
Is: saturation current of a diode.

Ke: temperature coefficient.
Vg: voltage of the band gap.
1.6.2
PV Module and Array Model
Since a PV cell produces very low power, the cells should be arranged in series parallel
configuration on a module to produce enough power. As mentioned earlier, PV array is a group of
PV modules which are connected in series and parallel circuit configurations to generate the
required current and voltage. The equivalent circuit for a PV module arranged in NP parallel and
NS series cells is shown in figure1-7.
TRef: reference temperature normally equal to 298 K.
17
])
Figure 1-7-a: Generalized array model [4]

An approximate equivalent circuit for PV cell, module, and array can be generalized and
expressed in figure 1-7-b. Therefore, the current can be expressed as:
[
])
Figure 1-7-b: Approximate array model [4]
NS = NP = 1 for a PV cell, NS and NP are the series-parallel number for a PV array. The
simplified model of a generalized PV array is illustrated in figure 1-7-c. The equivalent circuit is
described as:
(
])
18
Figure 1-7-c: Simplified array model[4]
1.7 Modeling: MATLAB/Simulink

Simscape library in Simulink presents a complete modeling of solar cell under the name "Solar
Cell". This representation takes consideration all equations mentioned above. This block accepts
three terminals (figure 1-8).
Figure 1-8: Model of a PV cell [1]

is the solar radiation, the + is the positive potential of the PV cell and the -represents the
negative potential of the PV cell.
Figure 1-9: PV cell connected to a variable load [1]

Moreover, figure 1-10 illustrates the I-V and P-V characteristics.
The circuit below (figure 1-9) shows the cell bounded to a variable load.
19
Figure 1-10: I-V and P-V characteristics [1]

In addition, the shape of the I-V and P-V characteristic curves can be modified under the effect of
temperature and as a result of change of the radiation absorbed by the cell. Figures 1-11 and 1-12
illustrate the variation of these characteristic curves when there is a change in temperature or a
Figure 1-11: I-V and P-V characteristics in function of temperature [1]

Figure 1-11 shows the influence of temperature on the PV cell. We note that when the
temperature raises, I increases and V decreases as the temperature coefficient of the cell, as a
result there is a negligible increase of MPP.
change in the insolation absorbed by the cell.
20
Figure 1-12: I-V and P-V characteristics in function of insolation [1]

Figure 1-12 shows the characteristics of the cell as a function of insolation. When the rate of
insolation increases, I increases and the maximum power undergoes a significant increase.
1.8 Protection of PVG

After ensuring a long life for PVG which tends to 25 years, it is necessary to add some protection
to avoid destructive faults resulting from the combination of the cells in series and modules in
Figure 1-13: Combination of two PV generators with their protection diodes anti-back diodes
and bypass diodes [1]
parallel. Often anti-back diodes and bypass diodes valves.
21
ANTI-BACK DIODES:
Figure 1-13 shows the associated modules in series diodes valves. Under the effect of the sun
when the voltage produced by PVG is greater than that of the battery, the battery is charging.
However, when darkness takes place, no voltage is produced by the PVG. Therefore, battery
voltage causes a current which will flow in the reverse direction through the panels which can
lead to the destruction of PVG. Hence the use of non-return diodes will be beneficial to block the
passing current and protect the PVG.
BYPASS DIODES:
These diodes are also represented by the figure 1-13. The bypass diode is connected in parallel
but in opposite polarity to a PV cell. In normal operation, each solar cell is forward biased and
therefore the bypass diode will be reverse biased and acts as an open circuit. However, a cell is
polarized inversely due to a short- circuit between the cells, the bypass diode conduct when the
current pass from solar cells to the external circuits.
Moreover, the presence of by-pass diodes in a PV array will greatly affect the characteristics of a
shaded PV array. The I-V and P-V characteristics of the PV array will be studied under two
situations: (1) under uniform insolation (all modules receive the same insolation level of 1
kW/m2); (2) under partially shaded condition (same conditions used in simulation 1 which are
insolation levels of 1 kW/m2 and 0.1kW/m2).I-V and P-V characteristics of the two cases are
with by-pass diode conducted the highest PV output power, while in the case of partially shaded
PV array with by-pass diodes it resulted in several peaks of the PV array output power. The
presence of multiple peaks in PV array characteristics under shaded conditions decreases the
efficiency of conventional MPPT since it fails to differentiate between global and local peaks of
PV array output power.
shown in figure 1-14. It is observed that under uniform insolation (1 kW/ m2) of the PV modules
22
Figure 1-14: Effect of bypass diodes on a PVG [1]
1.9 Conclusion
In this chapter, we have shown the importance of a PV cell, model, array and its characteristics.
We have seen that the P-V curve has a point of maximum power (MPP) under a load precise. This
point undergoes changes under the effect of the variation of the temperature, insolation and
shading. In chapter 2, we will try to pursue point independent of the load with the aid of a suitable
control of the pursuit of maximum Power Point (PMPP).
23
PURSUIT OF THE MAXIMUM POWER POINT

(PMPP) IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
PURSUIT OF THE MAXIMUM POWER POINT (PMPP) IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
CHAPTER TWO
24
2.1 Introduction
Solar energy is the most preferred alternative energy source because of its advantages such as
cleanliness, fidelity and because it is free. However, there is a very important factor that limits the
performance of this source which is the efficiency of conversion of the energy that is related to
the load. Therefore we use a technique that ensures the conversion of the maximum power of the
solar panel to the load by searching for the MPP. This search is done by the use of a DC-DC
converter between the solar panel and the load. Figure 2-1 is a block diagram of the principle of
Figure 2-1: Block diagram of the MPP search algorithm[1]
This control technique acts on the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter, in order to achieve a
variation in the effective charge attached to the solar panel in an automatic manner, and this is to
set the PVG at the MPP whatever the abrupt changes in the load any time.
In this chapter, different types of disturbances that can act on the MPP will be illustrated,
moreover; the algorithms used for research of the MPP will be presented. A detailed study about
one of the most used algorithm "Perturb and Observe" and the algorithm based on fuzzy logic
control using MATLAB/Simulink will be explained later.
2.2 Disturbances of MPP

During the operation of the PVG, several disturbances can change the MPP. Figure 2-2 illustrates
three cases of disturbances. The optimal operating point change from MPP1 to a new point not
optimal, depending on the type of disturbance observed. In the first case , when the sun varies
this operation.
25
with temperature and load constant MPP1 falls to P1, to return to optimal functioning and up to
Figure 2-2: Search for the MPP following the variation of sunshine, load and
temperature [1]
In conclusion, the pursuit of MPP is achieved by modifying the duty cycle of the DC-DC
converter to ensure the optimal operation of PVG.
2.3 Research algorithms for MPP

Several algorithms have been exposed to research MPP such as the algorithm of the adaptive
control, the method "Hill Climbing", the method "Increment of Conductance" and "Perturb and
Observe P & O" algorithm, etc.
MPP2, a change of the duty and similarly for the other two illustrated cases will be needed.
26
2.3.1 Adaptive control algorithm

This algorithm is developed by A.F Boehringer. It keeps the system at MPP. Figure 2-3 shows the
detailed operation of this algorithm. The aim of this algorithm is to calculate the power at the time
ti from measurements of IPV and VPV, and compare it to the one stored in memory. Consequently,
Figure 2-3: Flowchart of the adaptive control algorithm [1]

2.3.2
Hill climbing algorithm
This method is based on the relationship between the power and duty cycle illustrated by figure 24. The variable P in figure 2-5 correspond to a value "-1" or "1" according to the sign of the
slope
. D represents the variation of the desired duty cycle. The MPP is reached when
reaches zero as shown in figure 2-4.
and according to variation in power, a duty cycle D is calculated and applied to the converter.
27
Figure 2-5: Flowchart of the Hill Climbing search algorithm [1]
2.3.3
Increment of conductance algorithm
This algorithm is based on the observation that the following equation holds for the MPP:
Figure 2-4: Relationship between the duty cycle and power [1]
28
When the optimum operating point in the PV plane is at the right of MPP then
when the optimum operating point is at the left of MPP then
found by comparing the instantaneous conductance
Therefore,
the
, while
. The MPP and can also be
with the incremental conductance

sign
.
of
indicates the correct sense of the disturbance that leads to the MPP.
Once the MPP is reached, the disturbance is stopped. Figures 2-6 and 2-7 are respectively the
positioning of the MPP and the algorithm of this method.
29
Figure 2-7: Flowchart of the Increment of conductance algorithm [1]

2.3.4
Algorithm "Perturb and Observe"
The principle of this type of control, as its name indicates is based on the disturbance of the
voltage value of the PVG and observing the behavior of the resulting power. The example in
figure 2-8 illustrates this principle in a simple way. Moreover, from the P-V curve, if the voltage
increases, the power increases. It means that we are at the left of the MPP and the voltage must be
increased.
Figure 2-6: Position of MPP in terms of (dIPV)/ (dVPV) [1
30
Otherwise, the power decreases, this implies that the MPP is exceeded therefore a decrease in the
voltage is needed. Based on the analysis of this behavior, it is easy to provide an algorithm in
which the point of operation converges toward the MPP at any situation.
[1]
In a few words, when the power increases due to disturbance of the voltage, the direction of the
disturbance is kept, otherwise it is reversed to resume the convergence to the new MPP.
Figure 2-9: Flowchart of the P & O algorithm [1]
Figure 2-8: MPP in function of P and V
31
Figure 2-9 shows the algorithm associates with a P & O command.

Today, P & O algorithm is widely used because of its simplicity and ease of implementation. On
the other hand, it has some disadvantages, such as in the characteristic curve P-V of the PVG, P
= 0 is never reached. Whenever V increases or decreases, power will be changed which makes the
implementation of step PPVn = PPVn-1 in the algorithm without importance. This instability in the
value of P will lead to instability around the optimum value of the power. However, this
instability can be reduced by minimizing the value of the increment in the search algorithm. In
addition, the increment value is decreased, this algorithm will slow down. As a result, a
compromise between speed and precision is needed.
MATLAB/SIMULINK MODEL
two inputs and one output. This block is illustrated in figure
2-10.
It accepts, as input, at every moment the power and voltage
of PVG
and dD as output which represents the variation of the duty
cycle.
The variation of the voltage in the "P & O" control

algorithm is represented by a variation of the duty cycle in
direction.
2.3.5
Figure 2-10: P&O

Block in Simulink[1]
the same
The fuzzy control
Fuzzy logic asserts itself as an operational technique. Used alongside other techniques for
advanced control, it makes a discreet entrance but popular in industrial control automation. Fuzzy
controller is divided into three steps illustrated in figure 2-11.
Figure 2-11: Steps of fuzzy control [1]
The "P & O" control algorithm is represented, in MATLAB/Simulink, by one block which has
32
STEP 1: "FUZZIFICATION "
This section transforms inputs into fuzzy variables. The inputs are transformed into linguistic
variables described by membership functions. These functions can take many forms: triangular,
trapezoidal, bell or other. This fuzzy controller uses trapezoidal and triangular membership
functions. The input and output variables will be transformed to the following linguistic variables:
1. NG: Grand negative
2. NM: Middle negative
3. N: Negative
4. ZE: Zero
5. P: Positive
6. PM: Middle positive
7. PG: Grand positive
Figure 2-12: Adopted fuzzy controller[1]

Figures 2-13 and 2-14 show the membership functions of the various variables.
The schematic of the fuzzy controller (Mamdani-type fuzzy controller) is given in figure 2-12.
33
Figure 2-13: Membership functions of input variables: (A) E and (B) E[1]
Figure 2-14: Membership functions of the output variable dD [1]
34
Lower Upper Member
Bound Bound function
Lower
Upper
Member
Bound Bound
function
NG
-10
-1
Trap.
NG
-10
-2
Trap.
NM
-4
-0.2
Traing.
NM
-4
-0.4
Traing.
-1
Traing.
-2
Traing.
ZE
-0.2
0.2
Traing.
ZE
-0.4
0.4
Traing.
Traing.
Traing.
PM
0.2
Traing.
PM
0.4
Traing.
PG
10
Trap.
PG
10
Trap.
Lower
Upper
Member
Bound
Bound
function
NG
-1
-0.5
Trap.
NM
-0.75
-0.08333
Traing.
-0.5
Traing.
ZE
-0.08333
0.08333
Traing.
0.5
Traing.
PM
0.08333
0.75
Traing.
PG
0.5
Trap.
(b)
(a)
dD
Table 2-1: Numerical Intervals of different

variables (E, E and dD): (a) E, (b) E and
(c) dD (Trap: trapezoidal and Triang:
triangular) [1]
(c)
The first fuzzy controller input E is the slope of the P-V characteristic curve:
Tables 2-1 (a), (b) and (c) provide the numerical ranges of the different variables.
35
The second input E is given by:
The output parameter dD represents the variation of the duty cycle.

STEP 2: "INFERENCE "
It gives the relationship between input and output variables in language form. There are several
methods of inference: MAX-MIN, MAX-PROD and SUM-PROD. Each method takes its own
operators and each rule has the following form:
If (Condition), Then (Conclusion)
The method used by this fuzzy controller is the MAX-MIN method. In this method the operators
At the condition level:

At the conclusion level:
The rule base of this fuzzy controller has the following form:
If ("E Condition 1" AND "E Condition 2"), Then "Conclusion 1" OR
If ("E Condition 1" AND "E Condition 3 "), Then "Conclusion 2" OR
.................................
..................................
Before giving the basic rules, a little example is used to explain how to fill the database.
AND, OR and Then are represented by the MIN and MAX:
36
Figure 2-15 shows two successive slopes: E (k) and E (k-1).When E (k)> 0 and E (k) <0, the
voltage must be increased to reach a point close to the MPP and so on. Therefore the variations of the
voltage difference depend on the position between the operating point and the MPP. When this point
is approached, there must be further incrementing the voltage to reach the highest stable state. Note
that the variation of the voltage is represented by a variation in the duty cycle in the same sense.
After reviewing all the cases the base rules of table 2-2 will be adopted.
E E
NG
NM
N
ZE
P
PM
PG
NG
NG
NG
NM
NM
P
P
PS
NM
NG
NM
NM
NM
P
P
PM
N
ZE
P
NG
NG
NM
NM
NM
NM
N
ZE
ZE
N
ZE
P
ZE
ZE
P
PM
PM
PM
PM
PG
PG
[1]
Table 2-2: Base rules
PM
NM
N
P
PM
PM
PM
PG
PG
N
N
P
PM
PM
PG
PG
This base rule presents the variation of the conclusion according to the variation of E and E. Then
these basic rules are implemented in MATLAB using the "Fuzzy Logic" toolbox.
Figure 2-15: Characteristic of a SP [1]
37
STEP 3: "DEFUZZIFICATION "
During this step, the result provided by the fuzzy inference output dD is converted to real value or
numerical value. We distinguish several methods of defuzzification: the maximum method, the
weighted average method, simplified method of centroid, the centroid method and others. The used
method by the used fuzzy controller is the centroid method. This method will then convert the result
of the fuzzy output variable dD to the duty ratio variations that will be acceptable by the converter.
The centroid method calculates the center of gravity of the fuzzy surface obtained by the inference
Figure 2-16: Numeric result obtained by inference block for E=0 and E=0.5[1]
2.4 Conclusion
In this chapter, we presented different MPPT control algorithms: Adaptive control, Hill Climbing,
Increment of conductance, Perturb and Observe and the fuzzy control algorithms. In the next
chapters, we will introduce the theory of PSO; also we will make a comparison between PSO, P & O
and fuzzy control for the single peak power tracking, and a similar comparison between PSO and
neural-fuzzy control algorithms for multi-peaks power.
block (figure 2-16).
38
CHAPTER THREE
THEORY OF PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION
(PSO)
THEORY OF PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION (PSO)
39
3.1 Introduction
Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a heuristic global optimization method put forward originally
by Kennedy and Eberhart in 1995(Kennedy J, Eberhart R, 1995). It is developed from swarm
intelligence and is based on the research of bird and fish flock movement behavior (figure 3.1).
While searching for food, the birds are either scattered or go together before they locate the place
where they can find the food. While the birds are searching for food from one to another, there is
always a bird that can smell the food very well, that is, the bird is perceptible of the place where the
food can be found, having the better food resource information. Because they are transmitting the
information, especially the good information at any time while searching the food from one place to
another, conducted by the good information, the birds will eventually flock to the place where food
can be found. As far as particle swam optimization algorithm is concerned, solution swam is
compared to the bird swarm, the birds moving from one place to another is equal to the development
of the solution swarm, good information is equal to the most optimist solution, and the food resource
is equal to the most optimist solution during the whole course. The most optimist solution can be
worked out in particle swarm optimization algorithm by the cooperation of each individual. The
particle without quality and volume serves as each individual, and the simple behavioral pattern is
Figure 3-1: How can birds or fish exhibit such a coordinated collective behavior? [2]
This algorithm can be used to work out the complex optimist problems. Due to its many advantages
including its simplicity and easy implementation, the algorithm can be used widely in the fields such
regulated for each particle to show the complexity of the whole particle swarm.
40
as function optimization, the model classification, machine study, neutral network training, the signal
procession, vague system control, automatic adaptation control and etc.
3.2 Basic particle swarm optimization algorithm

In the basic particle swarm optimization algorithm, particle swarm consists of n particles, and the
position of each particle stands for the potential solution in d-dimensional space. The particles change
its condition according to the following three principles:
(1) To keep its inertia,
(2) To change the condition according to its most optimist position,
(3) To change the condition according to the swarms most optimist position.
The position of each particle in the swarm is affected both by the most optimist position during its
movement (individual experience) and the position of the most optimist particle in its surrounding
(near experience). When the whole particle swarm is surrounding the particle, the most optimist
position of the surrounding is equal to the one of the whole most optimist particle; this algorithm is
called the whole PSO. If the narrow surrounding is used in the algorithm, this algorithm is called the
partial PSO.
Each particle can be shown by its current speed and position, the most optimist position of each
position of each particle change according the following equality (Shi Y, Eberhart R C, 1998):
(
Where:
In the equation 3.1,
and
stand for separately the speed of the particle i at its k times and the
d-dimension quantity of its position;
represents the d-dimension quantity of the individual
i at its personal best position ever at its k times.
is the d-dimension quantity of the
swarm at its global best position ever as shown in figure 3.2.

In order to avoid particle being far away from the searching space, the speed of the particle created at
its each direction is confined between -vdmax, and vdmax. If the number of vdmax is too big, the solution
is far from the best, and if the number of vdmax is too small, the solution will be the local optimism; c1
individual and the most optimist position of the surrounding. In the partial PSO, the speed and
41
and c2 represent the speeding figure, regulating the length when flying to the most particle of the
whole swarm and to the most optimist individual particle. If the figure is too small, the particle is
probably far away from the target field, and if the figure is too big, the particle will maybe fly to the
target field suddenly or fly beyond the target field. The proper figures for c 1 and c2 can control the
speed of the particles flying and the solution will not be the partial optimism. Usually, c1 is equal to
c2 and they are equal to 2; r1 and r2 represent random fiction, and0-1 is a random number. In local
PSO, instead of persuading the optimist particle of the swarm, each particle will pursuit the optimist
particle in its surrounding to regulate its speed and position. Formally, the formula for the speed and
Figure 3-2: Terminology of PSO [3]
the position of the particle is completely identical to the one in the whole PSO.
42
3.3 Advantages and disadvantages of the basic particle swarm optimization

algorithm.
Some advantages of the basic PSO algorithm are as follows:
1. PSO is based on the intelligence. It can be applied into both scientific research and
engineering use.
2. PSO have no overlapping and mutation calculation. The search can be carried out by the
speed of the particle. During the development of several generations, only the most optimist
particle can transmit information onto the other particles, and the speed of the researching is
very fast.
3. The calculation in PSO is very simple. Compared with the other developing calculations, it
occupies the bigger optimization ability and it can be completed easily.
4. PSO adopts the real number code, and it is decided directly by the solution. The number of
the dimension is equal to the constant of the solution.
Some disadvantages of the basic PSO algorithm are as follows:
1. The method easily suffers from the partial optimism, which causes the less exact at the
regulation of its speed and the direction.
2. The method cannot work out the problems of scattering and optimization.
the energy field and the moving rules of the particles in the energy field.
3.4 The improvement of particle swarm optimization algorithm

3.4.1
Inertia weights
Inertia weights are put forward by Shi and others (Eberhart R C, Shi Y, 1998; Eberhart R C, Shi Y,
2000). An Inertia weight is a proportional agent that is related with the speed of last time, and the
formula for the change of the speed is the following:
(
As shown in equation 3.3, the influence that the last speed has on the current speed can be controlled
by inertia weights. The bigger is, the bigger the PSOs searching ability for the whole is, and the
3. The method cannot work out the problems of non-coordinate system, such as the solution to
43
smaller is, the bigger the PSOs searching ability for the partial. Generally, is equal to 1, so at the
later period of the several generations, there is a lack of the searching ability for the partial.
Experimental results show that PSO has the biggest speed of convergence when is between 0.8 and
1.2. While experimenting, is confined from 0.9 to 0.4 according to the linear decrease, which
makes PSO search for the bigger space at the beginning and locate the position quickly where there is
the most optimist solution. As is decreasing, the speed of the particle will also slow down to search
for the delicate partial. The method quickens the speed of the convergence, and the function of the
PSO is improved. When the problem that is to be solved is very complex, this method makes PSOs
searching ability for the whole at the later period after several generation is not adequate, the most
optimist solution cannot be found, so the inertia weights can be used to work out the problem.
3.4.2
Increase convergence factor
A particle swarm optimization algorithm with convergence agents is introduced in paper (Clerc M,
1999), and the following is the formula for its position and speed changing:
{
)}
is called the convergence factor, =c1+c2>4.Generally, is equal to 4.1, so is equal to 0.729. The
weights, the convergence speed in the particle swarm optimization algorithm with the convergence
agent is much quicker. In fact, when the proper , c1and c2 are decided, the two calculation methods
are identical. So, the particle swarm optimization algorithm with convergence agent can be regarded
as a special example of the particle swarm optimization algorithm with inertia weights. Meanwhile,
the properly selected parameters in the algorithms can improve the function of the methods.
3.4.3
Fully informed particle swarm (FIPS)
In the standard version of PSO, the effective sources of influence are in fact only two: self and best
neighbor. Information from the remaining neighbors is unused. Mendes has revised the way particles
interact with their neighbors (Kennedy and Mendes 2002; Mendes 2002, 2003). Whereas in the
traditional algorithm each particle is affected by its own previous performance and the single best
success found in its neighborhood, in Mendes fully informed particle swarm (FIPS), the particle is
experimental result shows compared with the particle swarm optimization algorithm with inertia
44
affected by all its neighbors, sometimes with no influence from its own previous success. FIPS can
be depicted as follows:
{
)}
Where Ki is the number of neighbors for particle i, and nbrn is is nth neighbor. It can be seen that
this is the same as the traditional particle swarm if only the self and neighborhood best in a Ki= 2
models are considered. With good parameters, FIPS appears to find better solutions in less iteration
than the canonical algorithm, but it is much more dependent on the population topology.
3.5 Conclusion
Particle swam optimization is a new heuristic optimization method based on swarm intelligence.
Compared with the other algorithms, the method is very simple, easily completed and it needs fewer
parameters, which made it fully developed. However, the research on the PSO is still at the
beginning, a lot of problems are to be resolved. In chapter four, we will introduce one of the
applications of the PSO algorithm which is an improved maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
method for the PV system using a modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Moreover,
we will compare the obtained results with the algorithm "P & O" and the algorithm based on fuzzy
logic using MATLAB/Simulink.
45
IMPROVED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION

BASED MPPT FOR PV SYSTEM
IMPROVED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION BASED MPPT FOR PV SYSTEM
CHAPTER FOUR
46
4.1 Introduction
We have seen in chapter 2 different methods to track the MPP when we have one maximum power
point. Moreover, neural and fuzzy control was used to track the MPP when we have multi-peaks
power points [1]. In this chapter we will propose an improved MPPT method for the PV system using
a modified PSO algorithm. The main advantage of the method is the reduction of the steady state
oscillation (to practically zero) once the MPP is located. Furthermore, the proposed method has the
ability to track the MPP for the extreme environmental condition that cause the presence of
maximum multi-power points, e.g., large fluctuations of insolation and partial shading condition. To
evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, MATLAB simulations are carried out under very
challenging conditions, namely step changes in irradiance, step changes in load, and partial shading
of the PV array. Finally, its performance is compared with the P&O and fuzzy logic results for the
single peak, and the neural-fuzzy control results for the multi-peaks.
4.2 Boost type DC- DC Converter

DC-DC converters are commonly used in applications that require continuous regulated power such
as batteries. Nowadays, the DC-DC converters are known as name "chopper", they are controlled
with PWM to limit the output voltage.
The choppers are found under various functions:
1. Increasing a variable DC voltage to generate a regulated voltage.
2. Lowering a variable DC voltage to produce a regulated voltage.
3. Increase or decrease a voltage variable DC to produce a regulated voltage.
4. Reverse DC voltage.
5. Produce multiple output voltage with a combination of topologies SMSP (Switched-Mode Power
Supply).
Controlling the average voltage at the output of a DC-DC converter is a function of the closing time
of the switch (ton), the pulse width, and the frequency of operation (figure 4-1).
The purpose of the DC-DC converter is to provide a DC output voltage set to a load resistor. The
47
Figure 4-1: The output voltage Vo and input voltage Vi of a DC-DC converter [1]
The pulse width Modulation (PWM) is the most used nowadays to control the output voltage of the
DC-DC converter. The principle of the PWM is given in figure 4-2.
the following equation:
ton is the time of closing of the switch and Ts is the period of operation.
Figure 4-2: Principle of PWM modulation [1]

During PWM modulation, a triangular voltage Vrepetitive is compared to a reference voltage Vcontrolled
(figure 4-2). As the reference is larger than the triangular voltage, the switch is closed, and when it
becomes smaller the switch is opened. We will use in our project a Boost type DC-DC converter.
The output voltage of the chopper depends on the duty ratio selected. The cyclic ratio is defined by
48
Figure 4-3: Converter [1]

Figure 4-3 shows the electrical circuit of the DC-DC Boost type implemented using Simulink. In this
converter the value of the output voltage is always barn more than the input. When the switch is ON,
the diode is inversely polarized, and then it isolates the capacitor and the load. The inductance in this
time stores energy. When the switch is OFF, the load received this energy in addition to the energy of
d is the duty cycle, then the relation between these voltages and the load result in the following
relationship:
The change in PVG voltage will be expressed by the varying the ratio cyclic. In this section we'll
explain how to create the relationship between the duty cycle and the desired tension. First, a
variation of duty cycle of the converter will change its operating point in such a way so that the PVG
input voltage varies (figure 4-5).
PVG. In this type of converter, if we deem VPVG that is the PVG voltage, VOUT is the load voltage and
49
Figure 4-4: Operation around the MPP [1]
representing the duty ratio D1 and D2. Being a boost type converter, the relationship between V IN
and VOUT is of the form:
We assume that we will move from an operating point P1 to an operating point P2 by incrementing
the duty cycle D using the following equation:
Where dD is a positive constant, then:
From the above relations we find that:
As a result, we find that incrementing duty cycle, results in a decrease in the voltage of the PVG. And
conversely a decrease in the cyclic results in an increase of the voltage of the PVG. To translate this
relationship in the MATLAB model we multiply output of the algorithm command "P & O" and that
the fuzzy controller with the sign.
In figure 4-4, the operating points P1 and P2 correspond respectively to voltages V1 and V2
50
4.3 Application of PSO on MPPT

To illustrate the application of the PSO algorithm in tracking the MPP using the improved technique,
we refer to equation (3.3) mentioned in chapter 3:
(
As mentioned in chapter 3, the particle position

component
coefficients,
represents the step size,

,
is adjusted where the velocity
is the inertia weight,
and
are the acceleration
is the personal best position of particle , and
is the best
position of the particles in the entire population.

If position is defined as the actual duty cycle while velocity shows the perturbation in the present
duty cycle, then (3.3) (and (3.2) from chapter 3 can be rewritten as:
)
In the case of PSO, resulting perturbation in the present duty cycle depends on
and Gbest. If
the present duty cycle is far from these two duty cycles, the resulting change in the duty cycle will
also be large, and vice versa. In the latter, the perturbation in the duty cycle is always fixed but in
PSO it varies according to the position of the particles. With proper choice of control parameters, a
suitable MPPT controller using PSO can be easily designed.
4.3.1 MPPT for single peak
4.3.1.1 Algorithm
First a solution vector of duty cycles with
particles is determined, i.e:
Where dg is the duty cycle of the DC-DC convertor.

The objective function is defined as:
(
is the power for particle i at iteration k, having a duty cycle
51
Figure 4-5: PSO particle movements in searching for the MPP [2]
To start the optimization process, the algorithm transmits three duty cycles di (i= 1, 2, 3) to the power
converter. In figure 4-5, duty cycles d1, d2, and d3 are marked with triangular, circular, and square
the Gbest that gives the best fitness value (which is the array power), as illustrated by Fig. 4-5(a). In
the second iteration, the resulting velocity is only due to the Gbest term. The (Pbestid (i)) factor is
zero. Furthermore, the velocity of Gbest particle (d2) is zero due to the (Gbest d (2)) factor is zero.
This results in a zero velocity and accordingly the duty cycle is unchanged. As a result, this particle
will not contribute in the exploration process. To avoid such situation, a small perturbation in duty
cycle is allowed, as shown in Fig. 4-5(b), to ensure the change in fitness value. Fig. 4-5(c) shows the
particles movement in the third iteration. Due to the fact that all the duty cycles in the previous
iteration attain a better fitness value, the velocity direction of these particles remains unchanged and
subsequently they move toward Gbest along the same direction. In the third iteration, all duty cycles
(di,i= 1, 2, 3) arrive at MPP with a low value of velocity. In the subsequent iteration, due to very low
velocity, the value of the duty cycle is approaching a constant. Therefore, the operating point will be
maintained and the oscillation around the MPP diminishes.
points, respectively. These duty cycles served as the Pbesti in the first iteration. Among these, d2 is
52
4.3.1.2 MATLAB Simulations
Figures 4-6, 4-7 and 4-8 illustrate the three models used for the different simulations. Figure4-6
presents a load connected to PVG with the aid of boost type DC-DC converter but with a command
MPPT of P & O type. Figure 4-7 presents the load connected to the same PVG but this time using the
fuzzy command. Moreover, figure 4-8 shows the MATLAB/Simulink simulation model of the PV
system used with the command of PSO type. SP (solar panel) is represented by a Simulink block, it is
constructed of three modules connected in parallel or form each of 36 cells is formed connected in
series, it gives a maximum power of 249.86 W for a voltage of 18 V, the load is represented by a
resistor R of 50, and DC-DC converter is already described above in figure 4-3. The frequency of
the impulsions generator chosen is 40 kHz and the parameters of the converter are chosen
respectively for the capacitor C = 25F and inductance L = 400H. The MPPT command block
presents the used command, the block to block RC MPPT control the variation of the duty cycle,
calculates the report and sends it to HRV function of S-Function type, which admits role of varying
Figure 4-6: Connection with the P & O algorithm [1]
this ratio in the pulse generator.
53
Figure 4-8: Diagram of complete system of PSO in single peak
Figure 4-7: Connection using fuzzy control [1]
54
4.3.1.3 Results
Figure 4-9: The maximum tracked power of the PV model using PSO algorithm
Figure 4-9 shows the variation of power of the SP as a function of time .We observe the effect of the
applied PSO algorithm on the maximum power point, once the maximum power is reached the
We will compare the obtained results of the PSO algorithm with the algorithm "P&O" and the
algorithm based on fuzzy logic.
Figure 4-10: PSO, P&O and fuzzy logic results in tracking the MPP
Figure 4-10 shows a comparison between the obtained power of the SP of PSO, P&O and fuzzy logic
algorithms.
system stabilized at this value with an oscillation approximately equal to 0.8W.
55
From the results obtained in figure 4-10 we can deduce that once the maximum power point is
reached, the systems starts oscillating with a value of 20 W using P&O algorithm and 5W using
fuzzy logic controller; however this oscillation decreases to 0.8W using PSO.
We can deduce that in tracking the MPP of the SP, PSO provides high accuracy more than the P&O
and fuzzy logic.
4.3.2
MPPT for multi-peaks
When the PV array is operating in a uniform solar insolation, the resulting PV characteristic curve
of the array exhibits a single MPP. However, under partial shading, the PV curves are characterized
by multiple peaks, i.e., with several local and one global peak as depicted in fig. 4-11. In this
example, the IV curve is characterized by four stairs, while the PV curve is characterized by four
peaks. The latter are labeled as P1, P2, P3, and P4. It can be observed that the time derivative of
power dP/dV is zero for the global as well as all the local peaks. Furthermore, the slope at its right
sign value of dP/dV, the algorithm could not distinguish the local (P1, P2, and P4) and global peaks
(P3) correctly. It is very likely that the MPPT is being forced to trap into the local peak, resulting in
reduced output power and thus greatly deteriorates the efficiency of the PV system.
4.3.2.1 Algorithm
Figure 4-11: MPPT tracking by PSO during partial shading [2]
and left sides has the same signs. Since all conventional MPPT methods are based on the slope and
56
On the other hand, since the PSO method works on the basis of search technique, the global peak can
be tracked without any difficulty. Figure 4-11 depicts the tracking capability of PSO during partial
shading. Similar to the previous PV curve (see figure 4-5), the proposed method transmits three
duty cycles, which serve as Pbest particles. It can be seen that the voltage and current contributing to
these initial duty cycles (Pbesti) are away from the global peak (P3). But in the later phases of
iterations, it successfully finds the global peak, P3.
4.3.2.2 MATLAB Simulations
The role of PSO block is to lead the system to the MPPG (maximum power point global) with margin
of a small error, and then stabilizes the system at the maximum. Figure 4-12 shows the diagram of
complete system.
In this model, the operating frequency is 40 kHz, the resistance R is 50 , the capacitor is 25F and
Later, we will make a comparison between the results obtained using the PSO algorithm, and the
results obtained from the neural-fuzzy logic controller [1].
Figure 4-12: Diagram of complete system of PSO in multi-peaks
inductor is 600 H.
57
4.3.2.3 Results
In this section, we present two different simulations. Insolation values of the two simulations will be
given below.
SIMULATION 1:
Figure 4-13 shows the characteristic curve of PV system under the following insolation: E1 = 1000,
Figure 4-13: P-V characteristics of the first simulation
Figure 4-14: VPV of the first simulation compared to that obtained from Neural and fuzzy logic
control
E2 and E3 = 700 = 300 W/m2.
58
Figure 4-16: PPV(average) of the first simulation compared to that obtained from Neural and fuzzy
logic control
SIMULATION 2:
Figure 4-17 shows the characteristic curve of photovoltaic PV system under the following insolation:
E1 = 750, E2 = 950 and E3 = 525 W/m2.
Figure 4-15: PPV of the first simulation compared to that obtained from Neural and fuzzy logic
control
59
Figure 4-18: VPV of the second simulation compared to that obtained from Neural and fuzzy
logic control
Figure 4-19: PPV of the second simulation compared to that obtained from Neural and fuzzy logic
control
Figure 4.17: P-V characteristics of the second simulation.
60
Figure 4-20: PPV(average) of the second simulation compared to that obtained from Neural - fuzzy
logic control
Due to non-uniform solar insolation, the resulting P-V characteristic curve of the SP exhibits multipeaks as shown in figures 4-13 and 4-17.
obtained using the PSO algorithm compared to that obtained from the neural-fuzzy logic controller.
We can deduce from these results that VPV variation using the neural-fuzzy logic controller is about
20V in both simulations, where it is decreased by a considerable value using the PSO algorithm to
5V in the first simulation and 8V in the second.
Moreover, we can make the same deduction for the PPV .Using neural-fuzzy logic controller, the
power oscillation from the tracked maximum power point is 60Win the first simulation and 45 W in
the second, where using the PSO algorithm it is 15W in the first simulation and 26W in the second.
Figures 4-17 and 4-20 show the variation of the PPV(average) using PSO algorithm and neural-fuzzy
controller. We can figure out that once the maximum power point (130 W in first simulation, 150 W
in the second simulation) is reached by the PSO, it is stabilized at this value; however, we can see in
neural-fuzzy logic controller, once the maximum power point is reached, the systems power falls to
a value 10 W less than the maximum power.
Figures 4-14, 4-15, 4-18, and 4-19 show the voltage and the power respectively of the PV panel
61
We deduce that voltage, power and the average power of the SP of the applied PSO algorithm gives a
satisfactory result more than the ones obtained from the neural and fuzzy controller obtained from
previous simulations.
4.4 Conclusion
In this chapter, a PSO with the capability of direct duty cycle is used to track the MPP of a PV
system. It is shown that the proposed MPPT controller exhibits an adaptive form of the previous
algorithms in single peak and multi-peaks. To improve the tracking speed, a simple and efficient
method is proposed to reinitialize the particles to search for the new MPP, resulting in superior
dynamic response. The results indicate that the proposed controller outperforms the previous
algorithms and gives a number of advantages:
1) It has a faster tracking speed;
2) It exhibits approximately smaller oscillations at the MPP relative to other applied algorithms;
large fluctuations of insolation.
3) It could locate the MPP for any environmental variations including partial shading condition and
62
CONCLUSION
This report contains an approach of maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic systems based on
particle swarm optimization algorithm.
A particle swarm optimization (PSO) with the capability of direct duty cycle is used to track the MPP
of PV system. A PV system, designed in MATLAB Simulink was used for the validation, in which a
dc-dc boost converter was used as a MPP tracker.
The performance of proposed controller is compared with P&O and fuzzy-logic control algorithms.
The total maximum power tracking using the PSO algorithm in this report gives a better result than
the P&O and fuzzy ones for single-peak MPPT, which is proved by simulation experiments in this
report.
In the case of partial shading of PV array the output characteristics presents a number of extreme
points. With the consideration of the good performance of the PSO in multi-peak function
optimization, global optimization, as well as multi-variable optimization, the PSO algorithm is
applied to the MPPT control algorithm .The used PSO algorithm can fast and accurately realize the
MPPT in PV systems, and this was proved by the simulation results on MATLAB compared to that
obtained by the neural-fuzzy control algorithm.
However, there are still many areas for improvement for the PSO algorithm to make it easy
CONCLUSION
applicable in many domains especially control.
63
REFERENCES
[1]B.Kanj, Intelligent technique for the pursuit of the maximum power point in a photovoltaic
system, final year project, Lebanese university, faculty of engineering, branch III, 2012.
[2]K. Ishaque, Z. Salam, M Amjad, and S. Mekhilef,An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization
(PSO)Based MPPT for PV with ReducedSteady-State Oscillation, IEEE Transactions on Power
Electronics, Vol. 27, No.8, 2012.
[3]Q. Bai,Analysis of Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm, CCSE Computer and Information
Science, Vol. 3, No.1, Feb 2010.
[4]Z. Cheng, H. Zhou, H.Yang, Research on MPPT control of PV system based on PSO algorithm,
Chinese Control and Decision Conference, 2010.
REFERENCES
[5]S. Said, A. Massoud,M. Benammar and S. Ahmed,A Matlab/Simulink-Based Photovoltaic Array

Model Employing SimPowerSystems Toolbox, Journal of Energy and Power Engineering 6, pp.
1965-1975,2012.
64
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
Figure A: PSO algorithm model in Simulink
65

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2012/2013

FINAL YEAR PROJECT

ENGINEERING DEGREE FROM THE LEBANESE UNIVERSITY

MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING OF PHOTOVOLTAIC

Dr. Youssef HARKOUS

Defended on July 8, 2013 in front of the jury:

Dr. Imad MOUGHARBEL

project will be an important step into a successful career.

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING ............................................................................... 11

Single diode model ......................................................................................................................................... 16

1.6.2 PV Module and Array Model................................................................................................................... 17

PURSUIT OF THE MAXIMUM POWER POINT (PMPP) IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM ...................................... 24

3.4.1 Inertia weights ........................................................................................................................................ 43

IMPROVED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION BASED MPPT FOR PV SYSTEM ............................................... 46

MPPT for multi-peaks ............................................................................................................................. 56

FIGURE 1-1: APPLICATIONS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS [1] .......................................................................................... 12

P&O: Perturb And Observe

Figure 1-1: Applications of photovoltaic systems [1]

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

1.2 Advantages and limitations of PV systems

PV systems offer many advantages, including the following:

silicon are the most common types known commercially.

Figure 1-2: Basic PV cell structure [4]

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

made up of various semiconductor materials. But mono-crystalline silicon and poly-crystalline

1.4 Solar Panel (SP) or PV Generator (PVG), and PV array

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

an increased voltage or in parallel to get an increased current.

1.5 PV cell operation

Figure 1-4: Operation of a PV cell[4]

Cells are represented by two different models:

Single diode model

Dual diodes model

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

1.6.1.1 Single diode model

Figure 1-5: Schematic of the single diode model[1]

1.6.1.2 Double diode model

Figure 1-6: Schematic of the double diode model[1]

Where Iph is the current generated by the light:

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

Ir: radiation (light intensity) in W/m2 captured by the cell.

KT: temperature coefficient for Iph.

Is: saturation current of a diode.

PV Module and Array Model

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

TRef: reference temperature normally equal to 298 K.

Figure 1-7-a: Generalized array model [4]

Figure 1-7-b: Approximate array model [4]

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

Figure 1-7-c: Simplified array model[4]

1.7 Modeling: MATLAB/Simulink

Figure 1-8: Model of a PV cell [1]

Figure 1-9: PV cell connected to a variable load [1]

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

Figure 1-10: I-V and P-V characteristics [1]

Figure 1-11: I-V and P-V characteristics in function of temperature [1]

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

change in the insolation absorbed by the cell.

Figure 1-12: I-V and P-V characteristics in function of insolation [1]

1.8 Protection of PVG

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING

parallel. Often anti-back diodes and bypass diodes valves.

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: DEFINITIONS AND MODELING