A novel global maximum power point tracking based on flamingo search algorithm for photovoltaic systems

Due to the high dependency of photovoltaic (PV) solar cell’s output on solar irradiance and, the ambient temperature. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms are used extensively to operate the system at its full potentials. Moreover, being installed in outdoor spaces, PV modules are inevitably subjected to partial shading conditions, where different parts of the system are receiving different amounts of solar irradiance. In case of occurrence of partial shading conditions on a PV module that is equipped with bypass diodes, the power-voltage (P-V) curve will have multiple peaks. This multi-peak curve requires using an advanced algorithm which track the global maximum power point (GMPP) instead of being deceived and trapped in a local maximum power point. In this paper, the flamingo search algorithm (FSA) is adapted for GMPP tracking for a PV system under partial shading conditions. The FSA algorithm fetch for the GMPP by reading the PV panel power and setting accordingly the duty cycle of the buck converter. To investigate model validity, simulation is performed using the MATLAB/Simulink platform and results demonstrate good tracking performance and fast response that prove the robustness of the system against rapid variations in solar irradiance levels.