A new MPPT design using variable step size perturb and observe method for PV system under partially shaded conditions by modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm- SMC controller

Abstract Renewable energies, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have been largely integrated into power systems, mainly due to the fact that this technology is environmentally friendly and available almost everywhere. However, these systems have some challenges regarding their efficiency. They should always follow the maximum power point (MPP) to deliver the highest power. To this end, maximum power point tracking methods, known as MPPT algorithms, have already been proposed to overcome this problem. The MPPT techniques, commonly used, take into consideration unchanged climate conditions. In this respect, a novel framework is developed in this paper for the MPPT algorithm based on a sliding mode controller (SMC) applicable to PV panels with partial shading conditions (PSC) and uniform conditions. This model employs the modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm (MSFLA) to derive the desired values of the parameters of the controller that utilizes the variable step-size perturb and observe (P&O). The performance of the developed framework is based on using the desired values of the SMC for the variable step-size P&O of the MPPT when the system operates in the grid-connected state. The presented framework is abbreviated MSFLA-SMC. This system shows precise tracking under changing weather conditions and it performs better compared to conventional techniques. The developed control system is associated with desired dynamic response and power flow between the PV system and the grid.