Comparative Analysis and Selection of Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques with Predictive Power Flow Control for Harmonic Mitigation in Renewable-Integrated Smart Grids

The integration of renewable energy into smart grids is beneficial for a sustainable future and the environment. Still, it has challenges such as energy optimisation, environmental conditions and power quality degradation. Existing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques often focus on tracking efficiency under steady-state conditions, ignoring the impact of real-time variation in environmental conditions and load. The predictive power flow control (PPFC) algorithm is available with one or more fixed MPPT algorithms. No studies have reported on how the choice of MPPT affects PPFC harmonic mitigation. This paper addresses both concerns through a systematic comparative analysis of MPPT techniques integrated with a PPFC method to mitigate harmonics in renewable-integrated smart grid systems. To address this research gap, a comprehensive comparative analysis of various MPPT techniques, such as Perturb and Observe (P&O), Incremental Conductance (INC), Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), and hybrid Machine Learning (ML) techniques, integrated with PPFC to achieve effective harmonic mitigation in a smart grid environment is conducted. A 3 MW solar farm integrated with a battery storage system is modelled in MTALB/Simulink 2025b under real-time varying conditions, such as environmental and load variations over time in Auckland, New Zealand. The study focuses on key performance parameters such as total harmonic distortion (THD), power loss, stability and efficiency. The Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS)-based MPPT controller, integrated with forecast-based power flow control, achieved overall performance by providing higher efficiency (97.5%), effective harmonic mitigation, and enhanced system stability under the nonlinear behaviour of the photovoltaic system. The proposed ANFIS-based system ensured a stable and smooth power output under varying environmental conditions, outperforming conventional and other intelligent MPPT techniques.