Global MPPT of solar PV modules using a dynamic PSO algorithm under partial shading conditions

This paper proposes a novel global maximum power point tracking (MPPT) strategy for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules under partial shading conditions using a dynamic particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm. Solar PV modules have non-linear V-P characteristics with local maximum power points (MPPs) under partial shading conditions. In order to continuously harvest maximum power from solar PV modules, it always has to be operated at its global MPP which is determined using the proposed dynamic PSO algorithm. The obtained simulation results are compared with MPPs achieved using the standard PSO, and Perturbation and Observation (P&O) algorithms to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm under partial shading conditions.