Maximum Power Point Extraction in PV Array Under Partial Shading Conditions Using GWO-Assisted Beta Method

Abstract

This paper presents a hybrid maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm, which combines the grey wolf optimization (GWO) technique and Beta method for extraction of maximum power from a photovoltaic (PV) system operating under partial shading conditions. The proposed algorithm named GWO-Beta-based MPPT uses the GWO technique to achieve the global maximum power point (GMPP), while, simultaneously, the MPPT reference using Beta method is calculated according to the PV voltage and current at GMPP. After that, the MPPT algorithm is switched to operate only with the Beta method that keeps tracked on the MPP reference, guarantying the GMPP in that specific operation point. By means of computational simulation results, the performance of the proposed MPPT algorithm is evaluated taking into account the convergence speed and power oscillations to achieve the GMPP.