A Novel Pigeon-Inspired Optimization Based MPPT Technique for PV Systems

Abstract

The conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method fails in partially shaded conditions, because multiple peaks may appear on the power–voltage characteristic curve. The Pigeon-Inspired Optimization (PIO) algorithm is a new type of meta-heuristic algorithm. Aiming at this situation, this paper proposes a new type of algorithm that combines a new pigeon population algorithm named Parallel and Compact Pigeon-Inspired Optimization (PCPIO) with MPPT, which can solve the problem that MPPT cannot reach the near global maximum power point. This hybrid algorithm is fast, stable, and capable of globally optimizing the maximum power point tracking algorithm. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to study the performance of two optimization techniques. The two algorithms are Particle Swarm Algorithm (PSO) and improved pigeon algorithm. This paper first studies the mechanism of multi-peak output characteristics of photovoltaic arrays in complex environments, and then proposes a multi-peak MPPT algorithm based on a combination of an improved pigeon population algorithm and an incremental conductivity method. The improved pigeon algorithm is used to quickly locate near the maximum power point, and then the variable step size incremental method INC (incremental conductance) is used to accurately locate the maximum power point. A simulation was performed on Matlab/Simulink platform. The results prove that the method can achieve fast and accurate optimization under complex environmental conditions, effectively reduce power oscillations, enhance system stability, and achieve better control results.