Osprey optimization algorithm for MPPT of PV system with forward DC to DC converter under partial shading conditions

Abstract Electric power is required anywhere for multiple purposes to do various tasks. Production of electricity from renewable sources such solar energy is feasible solution for many problems. Photovoltaic modules are generally used to produce electricity through solar irradiance. However, a maximum power point tracking device (MPPTD) must be incorporated to Photovoltaic system to ensure its maximum utilization or best efficiency. A forward DC to DC circuit is selected to work as MPPTD in this paper. Many conventional algorithms including incremental conductance, perturb & observe are available to work effectively for MPPTD under uniform solar irradiances. However, non-uniform irradiances will be received by Photovoltaic modules where many are connected to form a power generation system due to trees, shading, dust, birds, clouds, etc Such phenomenon drags the system into Partial Shading Condition (PSC). Under PSC, conventional algorithms cannot identify the best location to harvest more energy. Hence, an optimization technique is required to operate Photovoltaic system at its outfit utilization during PSC. An optimization technique namely ‘Osprey Optimization Algorithm (OOA)’ is developed in this paper on MPPTD to harvest more energy during PSC. The comparison among OOA, Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Modified Invasive Weed Optimization (MIWO) and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is also included in this paper. The Hardware—in the—Loop is establish by using OPAL-RT technology to collect various results for presenting analysis under different operating conditions.