Improved Global Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic System via Cuckoo Search under Partial Shaded Conditions

• DOI: 10.6113/jpe.2016.16.1.287
• Publication Date: 2016-04-27T08:41:43Z
• Authors: Ji-Ying Shi; Fei Xue; Zi-Jian Qin; Wen Zhang; Le-Tao Ling; Ting Yang
• Keywords: Cuckoo search; Maximum power principle; Tracking (education); Position (finance); Cuckoo

Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are ineffective under partially shaded conditions because multiple local maximum can be exhibited on power–voltage characteristic curve. This study proposes an improved cuckoo search (ICS) MPPT method after investigating the cuckoo search (CS) algorithm applied in solving multiple MPPT. The algorithm eliminates the random step in the original CS algorithm, and the conception of low-power, high-power, normal and marked zones are introduced. The adaptive step adjustment is also realized according to the different stages of the nest position. This algorithm adopts the large step in low-power and marked zones to reduce search time, and a small step in high-power zone is used to improve search accuracy. Finally, simulation and experiment results indicate that the promoted ICS algorithm can immediately and accurately track the global maximum under partially shaded conditions, and the array output efficiency can be improved.