A Maximum Power Point Tracking Method Based on a Modified Grasshopper Algorithm Combined with Incremental Conductance

Abstract

The partial shading of photovoltaic (PV) modules due to clouds or blocking objects, such as buildings or tree leaves, is a common problem for photovoltaic systems. To address this, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is implemented to find the global maximum power point (GMPP). In this paper, a new hybrid MPPT is proposed that combines a modified grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) with incremental conductance (IC). In the first stage, the proposed modified GOA is implemented to find a suitable tracking area where the GMPP is located. Then the system moves to the second stage by implementing IC to get the correct GMPP. IC is a fast-performing and reliable algorithm. By combining GOA and IC, the proposed method can find the GMPP accurately with a short tracking time. Various experimental results show that the proposed method yields the highest tracking efficiency and lowest tracking time compared to some of the state-of-the-art MPPT algorithms, such as particle swarm and modified firefly optimizations.

An improved grasshopper-based MPPT approach to reduce tracking time and startup oscillations in photovoltaic system under partial shading conditions

“…For a fair comparison, the same environmental conditions, such as irradiance, the solar photovoltaic panels used, and the same number of swarms (particles), were considered. IGOA is compared with [ 26 , 33 ] using 5 particles as mentioned in their work and employing 4 particles when compared with [ 23 , 30 ].…”

“…There are considerable disparities in the tracking times among the compared SITs. It can be seen in Table 4 that the tracking time is 1.87 s [ 33 ], 0.28 s [ 23 ], 0.35 s [ 27 ], 3.6 s [ 26 ], and the proposed IGOA tracks the GP in 0.16 s, 0.11 s, 0.13 s and 0.16 s respectively. A comparative analysis of various numbers of swarms ranging from 3 to 10 shows that the tracking time varies between 0.18 s and 0.74 s [ 23 ].…”

“…A comparative analysis of various numbers of swarms ranging from 3 to 10 shows that the tracking time varies between 0.18 s and 0.74 s [ 23 ]. The proposed IGOA tracks GMPP about 15 times faster than [ 33 ], and 30 times faster than [ 26 ]. It takes the shortest time to reach GP, followed by ICS [ 23 ], IGWO [ 27 ], GOA-IC [ 33 ], and IBA [ 26 ].…”

“…The proposed IGOA tracks GMPP about 15 times faster than [ 33 ], and 30 times faster than [ 26 ]. It takes the shortest time to reach GP, followed by ICS [ 23 ], IGWO [ 27 ], GOA-IC [ 33 ], and IBA [ 26 ].…”

“…Furthermore, it did not consider the PSC in work. A modified GOA combined with an incremental conductance (INC) approach was published in 2020 [ 33 ]. It was used in the initial part of the GMPP tracking process and the system then shifted to the second stage by employing INC to obtain the proper GMPP.…”