Enhancing global maximum power point of solar photovoltaic strings under partial shading conditions using chimp optimization algorithm

Abstract

This paper proposes the application of a metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the social behavior of chimps in nature, called Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChOA), for the maximum power point tracking of solar photovoltaic (PV) strings. In this algorithm, the chimps hunting process is mathematically articulated, and new mechanisms are designed to perform the exploration and exploitation. To evaluate the ChOA, it is applied to some fixed dimension benchmark functions and engineering problem application of tracking maximum power from solar PV systems under partial shading conditions. Partial shading condition is a common problem that appears in the solar PV modules installed in domestic areas. This shading alters the power developed by the solar PV panel, and exhibits multiple peaks on the power variation with voltage (P-V) characteristic curve. The dynamics of the solar PV system have been considered, and the mathematical model of a single objective function has been framed for tuning the optimal control parameter with the suggested algorithm. Implementing various practical shading patterns of solar PV systems with the ChOA algorithm has shown improved solar power point tracking performance compared to other algorithms in the literature.