Tracking of maximum power point in partial shading condition using differential evolution (DE)

This paper presents the utilization of a direct search technique known as differential evolution (DE) to improve the tracking of maximum power point (MPP) for photovoltaic power generation system. The proposed method is able to track the real maximum power point in most circumstances particularly during non-uniform or rapidly changing insolation conditions. The algorithm is proven to perform well with fast response. By doing a wide-space searching technique, the tracking of the global maximum power point is guaranteed and more power can be harvested from the PV array especially during partial shading conditions. The proposed algorithm is developed using MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MPPT algorithm.