Abstract:Optimal energy harvesting is a key point in any photovoltaic system where economic and efficiency aspects are strongly interrelated. In this paper a novel artificial bee colony optimization-based MPPT is proposed. The proposed Bee's algorithm allows the tracking of the maximal available power from a PV array under uniform and nonuniform illuminating conditions. A co-simulation methodology, combining Matlab/Simulink TM and Cadence/Pspice TM , has been used to verify the effectiveness of Bee's algorithm to track the MPP of serially connected PV modules subject to various shading patterns. In addition, a performance comparison with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based MPPT algorithm is also presented. The experimental resuls have shown the validity of the developed heuristic algorithm and its good tracking capabilities under shading conditions.

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