Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Module Arrays Based on a Modified Gray Wolf Optimization Algorithm

Abstract

In this study, a modified gray wolf optimization algorithm (GWOA) was proposed to facilitate the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of photovoltaic module arrays (PMAs). To increase the voltage conversion ratio and achieve a voltage boost through reduced duty cycles, a high-voltage step-up converter with a coupled inductor was used to replace the conventional energy storage inductor. To achieve global MPPT, the iteration parameters of the proposed GWOA were adjusted according to the slope of the PMA power–voltage (P–V) curve. According to the simulation results, the modified GWOA is more effective in MPPT than the perturbation and observation algorithm and conventional GWOA when multiple peaks appear in the P–V curve of a shaded PMA. In addition, the modified GWOA exhibits an improved tracking speed response and steady-state response.

Keywords

• gray wolf optimization algorithm
• photovoltaic module array
• global maximum power point tracking
• partial shading
• coupled inductor
• high-voltage step-up converter