T. Sudhakar Babu

Modified Particle Swarm Optimization technique based Maximum Power Point Tracking for uniform and under partial shading condition

Generation of electricity from solar energy has gained worldwide acceptance due to its abundant availability and eco-friendly nature. Even though the power generated from solar looks to be attractive; its availability is subjected to variation owing to many factors such as change in irradiation, temperature, shadow etc. Hence, extraction of maximum power from solar PV using Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method was the subject of study in the recent past. Among many methods proposed, Hill Climbing and Incremental Conductance MPPT methods were popular in reaching Maximum Power under constant irradiation. However, these methods show large steady state oscillations around MPP and poor dynamic performance when subjected to change in environmental conditions. On the other hand, bio-inspired algorithms showed excellent characteristics when dealing with non-linear, non-differentiable and stochastic optimization problems without involving excessive mathematical computations. Hence, in this paper an attempt is made by applying modifications to Particle Swarm Optimization technique, with emphasis on initial value selection, for Maximum Power Point Tracking. The key features of this method include ability to track the global peak power accurately under change in environmental condition with almost zero steady state oscillations, faster dynamic response and easy implementation. Systematic evaluation has been carried out for different partial shading conditions and finally the results obtained are compared with existing methods. In addition, simulations results are validated via built-in hardware prototype.

Selective voltage harmonic elimination in PWM inverter using bacterial foraging algorithm

Abstract Pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques are increasingly employed in power electronic circuits. Among the various PWM methods used, selective harmonic elimination PWM (SHEPWM) method is popular and it is widely accepted for its better harmonic elimination capability and its ability to maintain output voltage regulation. However, in this method difficulty persists in the identification of switching instants as it involves non-linear transcendental equations for obtaining the desired solution. In this paper, bacterial foraging algorithm (BFA) method is proposed for switching angle selection in PWM inverter. The problem of voltage harmonic elimination together with output voltage regulation is drafted as an optimization task and the solution is sought through the proposed method. Extensive simulations are carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK environment under various operating points with different switching pulses per half cycle. To demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method, BFA results are compared with other existing techniques such as Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization method. Further, the obtained simulation results are validated through experimental findings.

Fireworks Algorithm-Based Maximum Power Point Tracking for Uniform Irradiation as Well as Under Partial Shading Condition

Harnessing of maximum power from solar PV with the aid of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods is of significant importance as it contributes to better utilization of the system. Amidst the conventional MPPT methods, hill climbing (HC) and incremental conductance methods are widely recognized but they yield maximum power only under constant irradiation and utterly fail when exposed to conditions of varying irradiation levels. Besides these, they exhibit wide power fluctuations even under steady state along with poor transient characteristics under partial shading conditions which is quite probable. Therefore, a recently developed optimization technique namely, fireworks algorithm is utilized for global MPPT. Extensive simulations are performed for constant irradiation as well as partial shading condition. The obtained results are compared with existing methods to highlight the superiority of the method used in this work.

Maximum power point tracking using modified PSO with CUK Converter

This paper proposes modified Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for maximum power point tracking in solar PV system. MPPT methods are used for extraction of maximum power from PV panels; since the non-linear characteristics of panel hinders the power output from the panel. Earlier proposed methods like HC, Incremental Conductance suffers from steady state and lower efficiency. 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 DC-DC CUK Converter and simulation results are compared with Incremental Conductance and Hill Climbing methods.

Solar PV parameter extraction using FPA

Over a decade, the research interest in solar energy is considerably increased, since it is one of the most promising alternate for decaying fossil fuel. Among the research thrusts, the accurate modeling of solar I-V characteristics is given prior importance. In this article, the authors have proposed a new FPA based solar PV parameter extraction. To avoid computational burden and complexity, single diode modeling is preferred. Solar PV parameters are computed using FPA method. The computed root mean square error and relative error is compared with existing simulated annealing, Pattern search, Genetic algorithm and particle swam optimization techniques.

Tuning PID Controller for Inverted Pendulum Using Genetic Algorithm

The Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers are extensively used as the controllers for controlling the system outputs. The performance of the system is mainly depends on the parameters of the PID controller. To tune these parameters, various techniques are available, and in these methods, there exists drawbacks. To overcome these drawbacks in this paper, the tuning of PID parameters are done by using genetic algorithm, and it is effectively tested on linear inverted pendulum system (LIP). In addition, extensive simulations are performed by varying parameters of the pendulum. For brevity, comparison is made with Z–N methods of tuning, and it is observed that GA-tuned PID controller is giving better performance.

Dynamic Performance Enhancement of Three-Phase PV Grid-Connected Systems Using Constant PowerGeneration (CPG)

Surmount demand requirement in electrical energy has given a provision of integrating renewable energy to the three-phase grid-connected system. In particular, the penetration of distributed generation system has contributed more in electrical power generation. But the system connected produces adverse effects in grid due to the unpredictable atmospheric conditions. To handle such condition, in this research article, PV system is considered under study and a new two-stage CPG-P&O MPPT method is used for interfacing PV with grid systems. In addition, a wide range of feed-in power to grid capacity at inverter level is briefly addressed. Further, the algorithm is designed to reduce the increased thermal stresses in switch and to get rid of the grid overshoot and power loss. The desired objective was acknowledged by the simulation results by ensuring delivery of optimal performance.

A dynamic photo voltaic emulator using dSPACE controller with high accuracy solar photo voltaic characteristics

An alternative method of testing maximum power point tracking and solar Photo Voltaic (PV) system performance with a solar PV emulator is presented in this paper. Solar PV emulators are Hardware-in-Loop setup, which mimics the characteristics of a PV panel. Further, these emulators are supplementary to strenuous field testing and commercial solar PV training systems available for research prototyping. In this paper, a solar PV emulator built using a DC-DC Buck Converter and dSPACE ds1104 controller is proposed. In addition, MATLAB/SIMULINK Environment is used to construct the Mathematical Model of Solar PV Module. The proposed Solar PV Emulator has the following features: (1) ease in interfacing with faster dynamic response, (2) ability to monitor and control in real-time using a control desk, (3) higher bandwidth DC-DC buck converter, (4) stable output with lower response time, (5) lower output voltage and current ripple, and (6) capability to reproduce near accurate static and dynamic characteristics of...