Maximum Power Point Determination of Bifacial PV Using Multi-Verse Optimization Algorithm Applied on Different Cell Models

Abstract In the design process of a photovoltaic (PV) power plant, determination of the maximum power that can be extracted from the PV modules is essential, especially for the dimensioning of the individual parts of the plant. This paper presents the determination of the maximum power point (MPPT) of a bifacial PV system using three different cell models. The optimal power point is determined by using a novel multi-verse optimization (MVO) algorithm as the optimization tool. In this research work the MPPT of bifacial PV modules is determined by using the following three PV cell models: ideal single diode model, real single diode model, and two-diode model of PV cell. These cell models are developed for single-sided PV modules and therefore a proper modification of the models is necessary in order to be applied for the investigated modules. The purpose of this optimization procedure is to determine the maximum power of a bifacial PV module by minimizing the power difference between the calculated power and the experimentally determined power for certain atmospheric conditions.