Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 92 (2018) 513–553

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/rser

A review of global maximum power point tracking techniques of T

photovoltaic system under partial shading conditions
⁎
Faiza Belhachat , Cherif Larbes
Laboratoire des Dispositifs de Communication et de Conversion Photovoltaïque, Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, Alger, Algeria

A R T I C LE I N FO A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control techniques play a vital role in efficiency improvement of
GMPPT photovoltaic (PV) systems. It is mainly used to extract maximum possible power of the PV modules under both
Partial shading condition variable climatic and partial shaded condition (PSC). From literature, various types of MPPT techniques have
Hybrid been developed to track the maximum power point efficiently, ranging from conventional methods to artificial
Optimization algorithm
intelligence and bio-inspired methods. Each technique has its own advantage and drawbacks.
This paper focuses mainly on a review on advancements of global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT)
techniques of photovoltaic (PV) system subjected to partial shading conditions (PSC) to help the users to make
the right choice when designing their system. The most recent and selected MPPT methods are discussed and
classified as optimization, hybrid, mathematical model based methods and other GMPPT methods. This study
will serve as interesting guide for researchers working on PV system field.

1. Introduction Human Psychology Optimization (HPO) [38], etc. These algorithms can
solve the multi-peak GMPPT problem and provide high efficiency, but
Partial shading is an unavoidable phenomenon which significantly the performances provided by single algorithm can be further en-
reduces the efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) system. When partial hanced. Recently, the use of hybrid methods have emerged by com-
shading occurs the system has multiple-peak output power character- bining two or more approaches to as solution to further enhance the
istics. In order to track appropriately the global maximum power point performances. Recent developed hybrid methods combine the tradi-
(GMPP), a reliable technique is required. Conventional techniques such tional algorithm with the intelligent algorithm such as Firefly algorithm
as perturbation and observation (P&O) and incremental conductance with Incremental Conductance (INC-FFA) [39], P&O with Neural Net-
(INC) are inadequate to track the GMPP subject to this condition re- work (P&O-ANN) [40], Fireworks with P&O (FWA-P&O) [41], Grey
sulting in a dramatic decrease of PV system performances. Wolf with P&O (GWO-P&O) [42], Bat search algorithm with P&O (Bat-P
In the literature, various types of MPPT techniques and alternative &O) [43], Particle Swarm Optimization with P&O (PSO- P&O) [44,45]
solutions are used to detect true global MPP point among the other local or combine two or more intelligent algorithms like Simulated An-
MPPs [1–6]. nealing with Particle Swarm Optimization (SA-PSO) [46], Fish Swarm
Soft Computing (SC) methods are emerged as an alternative ap- with PSO [47,48], Jaya algorithm with Differential Evolution (Jaya-DE)
proach to conventional techniques for partially shaded photovoltaic [49], Whale optimization with Differential Evolution (WODE) [50] and
(PV) system because of their ability to solve the complex non-linearity PSO with Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm (PSO –SFLA) [51,52], etc.
problems. Thus, various optimization algorithms have been proposed, In addition to mentioned methods, other global MPPT techniques
such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) [7,8], Modified PSO [9–11], can be found dealing with problem of tracking under partially shaded
Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) [12], Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) conditions among them, method based on transient evolution of series
[13,14], Simulated Annealing (SA) [15–17], Bat algorithm [18–20], capacitor [53], Curve fitting [54], Active bypassing of the shaded cells
Firefly algorithm (FFA) [21,22], Firework algorithm (FWA) [23], method [55], Two Stage Searching method [56], Recurrent Scan and
Glowworm Swarm Optimization (GSO) [24], S-Jaya algorithm [25], Track method [57], Stepped Comparison Search [58], Beta algorithm
Flower pollination (FPA) [26–28], Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) [59], Fibonacci search algorithm [60], Extremum seeking [61,62], etc.
[29–32], Teaching Learning Algorithm (TLBO) [33–36], Mine Blast The main differences between these techniques are their range of
Optimization (MBA) [34], Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) [37], effectiveness, convergence speed, complexity level of the design, sensor

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: [email protected] (F. Belhachat), [email protected] (C. Larbes).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.04.094
Received 26 October 2017; Received in revised form 23 January 2018; Accepted 15 April 2018
Available online 09 May 2018
1364-0321/ © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
F. Belhachat, C. Larbes Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 92 (2018) 513–553

Under uniform condition requirements, control parameters and hardware implementation costs.
1000
Under partial shading condtion Thus, the choice of proper and the right algorithm is very important
800 when designing PV system which also depends on the intended appli-
cation.
Power (W)

600 This paper provides a review of the most popular and used MPPT
techniques to overcome negative effect of partial shading and hence, in-
400 crease maximum power output and discusses advantages and dis-
advantages and makes a general comparison between different solutions.
200 In this paper, different methods for GMMPT subjected to partial
shading conditions are discussed, is particularly interested in the new
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 work recently published in the scientific literature.
Voltage (V) The paper is organized as follows: Section 2 describes the effect of
Fig. 1. P-V characteristic of a PV array under uniform and partially shaded partial shading on performance of PV array. In Section 3, the various
condition. types of global MPPT are classified and presented. In Section 4, the
reported techniques are discussed and compared according different
criteria’s. Finally, Section 5 draws the conclusions of this work.

Fig. 2. (a) Simulated P-V curves under partial shading. (b) Variation of duty cycle, PV current, PV voltage and PV power during GMPP tracking using P&O MPPT. (c)
Variation of duty cycle, PV current, PV voltage and PV power during GMPP tracking using PSO MPPT [8].

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2. Effect of partial shading condition on the PV array

Solar energy can be produced by conversing solar energy directly

into electrical energy using PV cells, which are the fundamental ele-
ment that enables light induced photons conversion into electrons
through the photoelectric effect. Due to the fact that the voltage and
power levels of a single PV are quite low; PV cells are connected in
series or parallel. Series connection increases the voltage of the system
while parallel connection increases current. By associate both series and
parallel connections PV system can be designed to meet the nominal
voltage and power levels requirement. Typically, the basic building
block of PV power generator is formed of PV module which is composed
of series connected PV cells. The series connection of PV cells is more
susceptible to mismatch losses when the electrical characteristics of the
PV cells are not similar or cells do not operate under uniform irradiance
conditions like for partial shading case which has been recognized as a
major cause of energy losses in PV power generators which can be occur
due to multiple reasons such as buildings, trees or passing clouds, snow,
dust deposition, and has severe effects on the electrical characteristics
of PV power generators. If a series connection is partially shaded, PV
cells that receive the lowest irradiance level are those which have the
lowest short-circuit current; when the current of the PV power gen-
erator is higher than the short-circuit current of the shaded cell, the cell
Fig. 3. Measured PV power waveforms under MPPT process [8]. will be reverse biased cell acts as a load in the series connection; con-
sequently part of the power produced by the other cells is dissipated to

Fig. 4. (a) P-V characteristics for different cases of partial shading. (b) Simulated power, voltage current and duty waveforms for case 1 for LPSO, PSO and P&O
methods [9].

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Fig. 5. Hardware verification under partial shading. (a) LPSO. (b) PSO. (c) P&O [9].

heat in that module leading to power losses, raising cell temperature first column (string) receives irradiance value of 800 W/m2, 800 W/m2,
then cause irreversibly damage to it, this phenomena known as hot 800 W/m2, 1000 W/m2 respectively , the second column receives
spot. This problem can be avoided by using anti-parallel connected 400 W/m2, 400 W/m2, 1000 W/m2, 1000 W/m2, the third column re-
bypass diodes across PV modules. However, these diodes do not allow ceives 200 W/m2, 1000 W/m2, 1000 W/m2, 1000 W/m2, respectively
the PV array to produce the maximum possible power under partial and in the fourth column all PV modules receives irradiance value of
shading; in addition they increase the complexity of MPPT by creating 1000 W/m2. The temperature is maintained at 25 °C.
multiple local maxima in the array’s P-V characteristic. As can be seen in Fig. 1, when the irradiance is uniform, only one
Fig. 1 shows the P-V characteristic of a 4 × 4 Series-Parallel (SP) PV MPP exists on the P-V characteristic curve. But under partial shading
array under uniform and under partially shaded condition when the conditions, the P–V characteristic exhibits multiple peaks and the

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Fig. 6. Results of proposed ABC algorithm for power, current and voltage of PV
system under shading condition [12].

generated output power is significantly decreased.

3. GMPPT techniques for partial shading conditions

MPPT methods under partial shading condition are classified into

following categories:
Fig. 8. Flowchart of proposed simulated annealing GMPPT method [16].
Optimization based methods, Methods based on hybrid approaches,
mathematical model based methods and other GMPPT. In this section,
these methods are presented and discussed. foraging behavior of fishes and swarms. PSO is based on a randomly
initialized population and each particle searches for optimal position in
the solution space by iteratively updating.
3.1. Optimization based methods
The PSO method is very effective to handle the multimodal power-
voltage (P – V) curve under partial shading conditions and presents
The methods based on optimization algorithms are applied to find
several advantages such as simple structure and good dynamic perfor-
the best optimal solution with respect to the some conditions. Various
mances.
optimization methods applied to track the MPP under partial shading
The authors [7] used the PSO approach for tracking of peak power
condition are discussed here.
point to identify the GMPP. The PSO approach provides very high
proficiency, reliability and robustness towards Maximum Power Point
3.1.1. A MPPT based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm (MPP). The exactness of proposed algorithm is authenticated by using
PSO is a swarm intelligence algorithm typically employed in nu-
Matlab/Simulink and results were compared to INC algorithm to show
merical optimization problems. PSO has gained popularity in recent its enhanced performance in tracking GMMP for a PV system.
years due to its efficiency and effectiveness on addressing science and
The authors [8] presented a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
engineering problems. The idea of PSO originates from the imitation of

Fig. 7. The extracted power during the selected shading patterns with the corresponding P-V characteristic curve [14].

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accuracy of PSO for global peak tracking and its superiority over the P&
O technique (Fig. 2). The developed architecture is tested in real time
application on a buck-boost converter. Experimental results confirm the
efficiency of the proposed scheme and its high accuracy to handle the
partial shading. Fig. 3 shows measured PV power waveforms under
MPPT process recorded for two tests.

3.1.2. Modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm based MPPT

The Leader Particle Swarm Optimization (LPSO) is an extended
version of conventional PSO method. Two major drawbacks that hinder
conventional PSO performance are local convergence due to the im-
proper exploitation process and slower convergence due to particle
updation. These drawbacks limit PSO method even though the method
has great potential to always converge for global solutions. Mitigating
the above drawbacks, the LPSO method allows mutations of individuals
(Gbest) such that creates exclusive exploration and exploitation of the
search space. Further, the above process ensures complete utilization of
search space and to create particle randomness [9].
A global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT) algorithm based
on Leader Particle Swarm Optimization (LPSO) is proposed for PV
system in [9,10]. The results of LPSO method is compared to PSO and P
&O methods. The proposed method has advantages over PSO like fast
convergence, better dynamic performance, easy implementation and
high efficiency. The simulated power, voltage and current curves for 6
series configuration that correspond to the case 1 (G1 = 1000 W/m2, G2
= 1000 W/m2, G3 = 1000 W/m2, G4 = 1000 W/m2, G5 = 300 W/m2,
G6 = 300 W/m2) are shown in Fig. 4. The hardware realization of
LPSO, PSO and P&O methods for the same case is shown in Fig. 5.
A modified PSO algorithm based on the suggested search-agent
deployment, retracking condition, and multicore operation is proposed
in order to continuously locate the global maximum power point for the
PV system in [11]. The multicore PSO was introduced to maintain the
maximum accuracy and minimum tracking time when dealing with
multiple PV modules in series and parallel connection. The authors
presented simulation results for up to 16 panels in series/parallel for-
mats. A distributed PV system consisting of up to 8 thin film PV panels
and having a dedicated DC/DC buck converter on each of the modules
is also tested.
Fig. 9. Power-time chart of sample case for MPPT implementations (a) P&O, (b)
PSO, (c) SA [16]. 3.1.3. Artificial bee colony (ABC) based MPPT
ABC is an optimization algorithm which is based on behavior of
implementation of PSO algorithm for maximum power point tracking natural bees. It is developed to tackle multidimensional and multimodal
(MPPT). The PSO method has been implemented on Xilinx Virtex5 optimization problems in many fields such as electrical engineering: for
(XC5VLX50-1FFG676) FPGA. The simulations results demonstrate the optimum power flow, optimum sizing of solar system, control en-
gineering and in mechanical field for optimum design approaches [12].

Fig. 10. (a) P-V characteristic for SA experimental implementation sample case. (b) Sample tracking using SA for P-V characteristic [16].

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Fig. 11. (a) Static curves of shaded PV panel. (b) Output voltage curve and power curve of traditional SA method. (c) Output voltage curve and power curve of ESA
GMPPT method [17].

In [12], ABC based MPPT technique was implemented to control the 3.1.5. Simulated annealing (SA) based MPPT
duty of power converter to extract and to track maximum power from Simulated Annealing (SA) is one of the optimization techniques. This
PV panel. The ability of proposed algorithm was justified under various algorithm is inspired from process of annealing in metal work for
shading conditions. The proposed algorithm was compared to PSO strengthening the metals. In mechanically work temperature is gradually
technique. Simulation results demonstrate that ABC algorithm performs increased until the metal melts in a heat balance. Then, it is cooled care-
better under any dynamic situations to extract real MPP than PSO al- fully until the particles are rearranged in the ground state of solid [15].
gorithm. ABC algorithm is independent of characteristics of PV system The SA algorithm requires an initial temperature, final temperature
and requires only knowledge of number of series connected cells. The and cooling rate. At each temperature, the algorithm performs several
ABC algorithm provides advantages like simplicity, robustness, accu- perturbations in the operating point (voltage) and measures the corre-
racy and ability to give better results during dynamic situations. sponding energy (power).
Results of proposed ABC algorithm for power, current and voltage of This measured energy is compared to the current reference energy.
PV system under shading condition are depicted in Fig. 6. If the new operating point has greater energy then it will be accepted as
the new operating point. If the new operating point has less energy than
the reference operating point, then it may still be accepted depending
3.1.4. Ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm based MPPT
on the acceptance probability. The acceptance probability relates to
ACO is optimization a technique which is also used to track max-
both the energy difference and the current temperature of the search,
imum power. The inspiring source of ant colony optimization is the
and at higher temperature small reductions in energy are likely to be
foraging behavior of real ant colonies. ACO is a technique for solving
accepted. As the temperature reduces, the likelihood that solutions with
problems which can be expressed as finding good paths through graphs.
lower energy will be accepted reduces. The acceptance probability is
Ant colony is swarm of ants. Each ant tries to find a route between its
given in (1) where, Pk is the power at the current voltage, Pi is the
nest and a food source [13].
power at the previous best operating point, and Tk is the current tem-
The authors [13] used the ant colony optimization for maximum
perature of the system [16].
power point tracking of PV array under uniform and non-uniform ir-
radiance. ACO based MPPT tracks more power than PSO method. Pk − Pi
Pr =exp[ ]
The authors [14] used the ACO algorithm with a new pheromone Tk (1)
updating strategy that saves the computation time and performs an
excellent tracking capability with high accuracy, zero oscillations and The SA algorithm requires a cooling schedule which may be either
high robustness. static or adaptive. The common geometric cooling schedule, is given in
Fig. 7 reports the simulation results for the extracted power using (2), where, Tk is the temperature for step k, Tk−1 is the temperature at
the ACO MPPT controller for four modules connected in series under step k –1 and α is some constant (α < 1).
the selected shading patterns (G1 = 800 W/m2, G2 = 500 W/m2, G3 Tk = αTk − 1 (2)
= 100 W/m2, G4 = 500 W/m2).

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Fig. 12. Flowchart of Bat search algorithm [18].

As the temperature is updated every four random perturbations, the A Simulated Annealing based MPPT technique has been proposed
implementation represents inhomogeneous SA, as equilibrium is not for achieving GMPPT for PV systems experiencing non-uniform en-
required at each temperature level. The SA algorithm implementation is vironmental conditions in [16].
shown in Fig. 8. The performance of the technique in tracking the GMPP for real

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Fig. 13. Measured array current, voltage and power waveforms under partial shading during MPPT process [20].

Fig. 14. (a) Voltage and power waveforms of the FFA. (b) Voltage and power waveforms of the modified FFA [22].

irradiance data with a simulated shadow path is compared to the per- near GMPP with only a slight increase in computational complexity
formance of the P&O and PSO methods in tracking under the same ir- when compared to the P&O technique and requires fewer parameters to
radiance conditions. be stored in memory from one iteration to the next than the PSO
Results show the improved performance of the proposed technique technique.
in converging to the GMPP (Fig. 9). The algorithm achieves GMPP or The ability of the proposed SA technique to track to the GMPP is not

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maximum power tracking algorithm can be applied in the central

converter of DMPPT and hybrid PV system to meet various application
scenarios. Its effectiveness is verified by simulation and test results.
Fig. 11 shows the operating voltage and output power of SA and
ESA methods of original PV array under partial shading conditions.

3.1.6. Bat search algorithm (BA) based MPPT

Bat search algorithm (BA) is a bio-inspired meta-heuristic optimi-
zation algorithm inspired by the echolocation behavior of natural bats
in locating their foods. It is used for solving various optimization pro-
blems. Each virtual bat in the initial population employs a homologous
manner by performing echolocation way for updating its position. Bat
echolocation is a perceptual system in which a series of loud ultrasound
waves are released to create echoes. These waves are returned with
delays and various sound levels which qualify bats to spot a specific
prey [18,19].
BA has been applied area of optimization, classifications, image
processing, feature selection, scheduling, data mining.
The BA has many advantages as very quick convergence, simplicity
and flexibility. BA guarantees to converge to the true global optimality.
Some rules are introduced to extend the structure of Bat algorithm
and use the echolocation characteristics of bats [18,19].

(a) Each bat utilizes echolocation characteristics to classify between

prey and barrier.
(b) Each bat flies randomly with velocity vi at position xi with a fixed
frequency fmin, varying wavelength λ and loudness L0 to seek for
prey. It regulates the frequency of its released pulse and adjusts the
rate of pulse release r in the range of [0, 1], relying on the closeness
Fig. 15. Firework algorithm [23]. of its aim.
(c) Frequency, loudness and pulse released rate of each bat are varied.
(d) The loudness Lmiter changes from a large value L0 to a minimum
limited by the starting value used in the algorithm. Experimental results
constant value Lmin.
demonstrate a practical application of the method and parameter stu-
dies suggest future enhancements to improve the convergence speed
The position xi and velocity vi of each bat should be defined and
and accuracy (Fig. 10).
updated during the optimization task. The new solutions x it and velo-
The authors [17] introduced an enhanced simulated annealing
cities vit at time step t are performed by the following equations:
(ESA) based GMPPT technique against multiple MPP issues in P–V
curve with different PV system structures. The proposed technique fi = fmin + + (fmax − fmin). α (3)
performs rapid convergence speed and high tracking accuracy of irra-
diance changing and restarts capability detection. The proposed global v ti = v ti − 1 + (xti − x*). fi (4)

Fig. 16. Tracking curves for 4S configuration. (a) GWO-based MPPT. (b) IPSO-based MPPT. (c) P&O-based MPPT [30].

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Fig. 17. Experiment results for 4S configuration. (a) GWO, (b) IPSO and (c) P&O [30].

xti = xti − 1 + v ti (5) λi fi is the velocity increment, one can consider either fi (or λi ) to set the
velocity change while fixing the other factor. For implementation,
where α in the range of [0, 1] is a random vector drawn from a uniform every bat is randomly assigned a frequency which is drawn uniformly
distribution. x* is the current global best location, which is achieved from (fmin, fmax). For the local search, once a solution is chosen among
after comparing all the locations among all the n bats. As the product

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Fig. 18. (a) P-V curve. (b) The BIPVPS output power for PSO, FLC and DE techniques under partial shading patterns [28].

emitting sound, one has:

Lit +1 = βLit , rit +1 = ri0 [1−exp(−γt )] (7)

where, β is constant in the range of [0, 1] and γ is positive constant. As

time reaches infinity, the loudness tends to be zero, and γit equal to γi0 .
The florchards of Bat algorithm is shown in Fig. 12.
The authors [20] presented a maximum power point tracking
(MPPT) method for PV system under partial shading conditions using
bat algorithm (BA). To verify the performance of the proposed method,
several simulations have been carried out in Matlab/Simulink en-
vironment for various shading patterns. The simulations results high-
light the accuracy of the proposed scheme for optimal management of
the energy available at the output of the photovoltaic panels. In addi-
tion, the comparison with the P&O and the PSO methods shows that the
proposed method outperforms them in term of global search ability and
dynamic performance. To verify the practical implementation of the
proposed method, a modular reconfigurable architecture is im-
plemented on Xilinx Virtex-5 (XC5VLX50-1FFG676) FPGA. The algo-
rithm is tested in real time application on a buck-boost converter using
a real photovoltaic panel. Experimental results confirm the efficiency of
the proposed method in the global peak tracking and its high accuracy
to handle the partial shading (Fig. 13).
The bat algorithm is a very simple and robust algorithm. In addition,
it requires less control parameters to be tuned. Hence, it is a suitable
optimization tool for locating the maximum power point (MPP) re-
gardless of atmospheric variations.
Fig. 19. (a) P-V characteristic. (b) The time responses of global powers ob-
tained from MBA and TLBO algorithms for non-uniform shadow patterns (G1
= 1000 W/m2, G2 = 1000 W/m2, G3 = 100 W/m2, G4 = 500 W/m2) [34]. 3.1.7. Firefly algorithm (FFA) based MPPT
The FFA is a population-based optimization and is introduced by
Yang. This optimization algorithm is inspired by the movement of
the current best solutions, a new solution for each bat is generated using lightning bugs-commonly known as fireflies. The flashing light of fire-
random walk. flies is an amazing sight in the summer sky in the tropical and tempe-
x new = x old + εLt (6) rate regions.
Two fundamental functions of such flashes are to attract mating
where, ε ∈ [−1.1]is a random number, while Lt is the average loudness partners and to attract potential prey. In addition, flashing may also
of all bats at this time step. As the loudness usually reduces once a bat serve as a protective warning mechanism.
has found its prey, while the rate of pulse emission increases, the The rhythmic flash, the rate of flashing and the amount of time form
loudness can be elected as any value of convenience. Assuming Lmin part of the signal system that brings both sexes together. Simulation and
= 0 means that a bat has just found the prey and temporarily stops experiment results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can track

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Fig. 20. Comparison of power generations based on different MPPT methods [25].

Fig. 21. The flowchart of the glowworm swarm optimization (GSO) algorithm [24].

the extreme environmental condition such as fluctuation of insolation

and partial shading condition.
The authors [22] demonstrated that proposed modified FFA method
can reduce the number of computation operations and the time for
converging to the GMP that the existing FFA requires.
Experimental results show that the proposed method can track the
global point under various PSC, has a faster convergence time, com-
pared to the FFA, and can effectively suppress the power and voltage
fluctuations. Fig. 14 shows the voltage and power waveforms of FFA
and modified FFA methods.

Fig. 22. Output power under partial shading [24]. 3.1.8. Firework algorithm (FWA) based MPPT
The Firework algorithm is considered as a swarm intelligence al-
gorithm. It is designed to maintain the diversity of sparks obtained by
the GMPP under various conditions with higher speed and accuracy
the fireworks. It is a search algorithm which represents the potential
[21].
solutions in searching the MPP by considering the newly generated
The authors [21] proposed an improved maximum power point
sparks. This algorithm briefs about the optimizations technique require
tracking (MPPT) method for the photovoltaic (PV) system using a
obtaining a good quality solution.
Firefly Algorithm (FFA). Additional feature of this method is reduction
The authors [23] implemented a MPPT technique used for a grid
of the steady state oscillation once the maximum power point is located.
connected inverter system. Fig. 15 shows flow chart of implementation
The proposed method has the ability to track maximum power point for
of firework algorithm.

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random vectors in [0, 1].

Mohanty et al. [30] presented a maximum power point tracking
(MPPT) design for a photovoltaic (PV) system using a grey wolf opti-
mization (GWO) technique. This method overcomes the limitations
such as lower tracking efficiency, steady-state oscillations, and tran-
sients as encountered in P&O and improved PSO (IPSO) techniques.
The proposed scheme is studied for a PV array under PSCs which
exhibits multiple peaks and its tracking performance is compared to the
P&O and IPSO MPPTs. The proposed GWO MPPT algorithm is im-
plemented on a PV system using Matlab/Simulink.
Furthermore, an experimental setup is developed to verify the effi-
cacy of the proposed system. From the obtained simulation and ex-
perimental results, it is observed that the proposed GWO MPPT algo-
rithm outperforms both P&O and IPSO MPPTs (Figs. 16 and 17).
In [32], an Enhanced Grey Wolf Optimizer (EGWO) based maximum
power point tracking algorithm is proposed to track the global max-
imum power point of PV system under partial shading condition.
The proposed method is programmed in Matlab environment and
simulations are carried out on 4S and 2S2P PV configurations for dy-
namically changing shading patterns. The results of the proposed
method are analyzed and compared to GWO and PSO algorithms. The
authors demonstrated that proposed method is effective in tracking
global maximum power point with more accuracy in less computation
time compared to other methods.

3.1.10. Flower pollination algorithm (FPA) based MPPT

FPA has been considered a modern population-based optimization
method. Such technique based on behavior of the flower pollination. As
known the pollination is a natural physiological operation of mating in
plants. It associated with transferring pollen via pollinators like insects.
Fig. 23. (a) P-V characteristics of 6S PV configuration. (b) Tracking curves of Self-pollination and cross-pollination are considered the two main types
power and voltage of 6S PV configuration (G1, G2 = 1000 W/m2, G3, G4 of pollination. Self-pollination occurs when pollen from one flower
= 600 W/m2, G5, G6 = 200 W/m2) [37].
fertilize same flower. On the other side, cross-pollination takes place
when pollen grains are transferred from a different plant to flower.
As the firework explosion takes place, the FWA uses the procedure From another point of view, the flower attempt to spread their pollen
to explore the potential search space. For each firework, an explosion through various methods. The first method is abiotic pollination where
process is initiated and a shower of sparks occupies the area around it. the wind helps the pollen to transfer. The second method is biotic
As the explosion takes place, the firework showers the sparks close to its pollination which takes place through insects and animals [26,27].
area. Thus, firework explosion process can be expressed such that the According to biological evolution point, the main goal of flowers
exploded firework can take care of the point which is close to the pollination is the survival of the fittest. Moreover, the optimum re-
maximum power. production of plants in terms of numbers in addition to the fittest
ymax − f(xi) + ε should be considered as an important target. This may be considered as
Si = m n an optimizing process of plants species [26,27]. In order to design and
∑i = 1 (ymax − f(xi)) + ε (8)
develop the FPA algorithm, the following four rules must be taken into
where m is used to control the number of sparks, n is the number of account as following:
fireworks, Ymax is the maximum value of objective function among the
number of fireworks. 1. Biotic and cross-pollination are regards as a global pollination pro-
cess, and pollen-carrying pollinators may fly a long distance that
3.1.9. Grey Wolf (GWO) based MPPT obeys Lévy flights;
GWO is a metaheuristic algorithm inspired by grey wolves, which 2. A biotic and self-pollination have been considered as local pollina-
prefer to live in a pack and can be used to optimize a function that is tion;
difficult to express analytically [29–32]. 3. Flower constancy is regards as an equivalent to a reproduction
The attacking behavior can be exhibited by the following equations: probability which is proportionate to the similarity of two flowers

   involved;
D = C ⃗. Xp (t ) − Xp (t ) (9) 4. The switching of local pollination and global pollination has been

    controlled via switch probability.
X (t+1) = Xp (t ) − A . D (10)
where t is the current iteration, A, C and D represent coefficient vectors, The global pollination step as first rule and the flower constancy as
Xp is the position vector of the prey and X specifies the position vector third rule may be converted in a mathematical equation as follow.
of grey wolf. ymax − f(xi) + ε
The vectors A and D are estimated as follows. Si = m n
∑i = 1 (ymax − f(xi)) + ε (13)

A = 2 b. ⃗ r1 ⃗ − b ⃗ (11)
xti + 1 = xti +γL(λ)(g
− xti) (14)

 
 *
D = 2 .r2 (12)
where x it + 1
denotes pollen i or the solution vector xi at iteration t and g
where components of b linearly decrease from 2 to 0 and r1, r2 are denotes best solution of boost converter duty cycle. γ denotes a scaling

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Fig. 24. Power and duty cycle waveform during patterns using (a) LIPSO, (b) POPSO, (c) HPO [38].

Fig. 25. Experimental results (voltage, current and power waveforms) using HPO method [38].

factor that used for controlling the step size. L (λ ) represents Lévy Here Γ(λ) denotes gamma function.
flights-based step size that corresponds to the strength of the pollina- For the local pollination, both second and third rules may be
tion. Insects can fly over a long distance with different distance steps; mathematically represented as follow.
this is drawn from a Lévy distribution.
πλ
x it + 1 = x it + ∈(x tj − xkt ) (16)
λΓ(λ)sin 2 1
L≈m (s≫s 0 > 0)
π S1 + λ (15) where x tj , xkt are pollen from different flowers of the same plant species.

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1. The teacher phase. In this phase, the learning process is based on the
teacher, Ti . He tries to move the mean value of students, Mi, towards its
own level so the new desired mean, Mnew, will be the teacher value.
The difference between the desired mean and old mean value is
used to update the existing value of the student (Xi) by the following
equation:
diff_meani = ri*(Mnew − Tf *Mi ) (17)

where ri is a random number [0, 1] and Tf is the teaching factor [1 or 2]

calculated with
Tf = round[ 1 + rand(0, 1){2 − 1}] (18)

Then the updating in the learner value is calculated by the following

equation
Xnew,i = X old,i +diff_meani (19)

2. The learner phase. The learning process is performed through

interaction between the students to increase their knowledge.
Every student may learn a new information in case of the others
have more information than him. The updating process is done by se-
lecting two random students and comparing between their results as
Fig. 26. ANFIS controller response under partial shading conditions. (a)
follows:
Simulated (P-V) characteristic for 4 × 2 TCT configuration. (b) Output power of
TCT PV array configuration [63]. Xnew,i = X old,i + ri*(Xi − Xj) (20)

Xnew,i = X old,i + ri*(Xj − Xi)iff(Xj) > f(Xi) (21)

If x tj andxkt come from the same species or are taken from the same po-
pulation, this equivalently becomes a local random walk if ∈is drawn The updated value is accepted if it gives a better result than the old
from a uniform distribution in [0, 1]. value.
Flower pollination activities can tack place at all scales, both local In improved teaching-learning-based optimization (I-TLBO) is ap-
and global. The switch probability or proximity probability can be ef- plied to perform global MPPT of photovoltaic (PV) module arrays under
fectively used in order to switch between the local and global. dissimilar shading situations to ensure the maximum power output of
Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) is investigated in [26]. Pro- the module arrays in [35].The proposed I-TLBO enables the automatic
posed method has dual mode search ability which creates required adjustment of teaching factors according to the self-learning ability of
randomness in every iteration is the key reason to suit FPA for MPPT. students. Incorporating smart-tracking and self-study strategies can ef-
Simulation and experimental results verified with different patterns fectively improve the tracking response speed and steady-state tracking
portray FPA excellence under all irradiated conditions. Further per- performance.
formance of FPA is verified with PSO and P&O methods. To evaluate the feasibility of the proposed I-TLBO, a HIP-2717 PV
The authors [28] presented a soft computing global MPPT technique module array from Sanyo Electric was employed to compose various
based on FPA, PSO and DE optimization techniques to improve the arrays with different serial and parallel configurations. The arrays were
efficiency of partially shaded BIPVPS system on which the power operated under different shading conditions to test the MPPT with
against voltage curve exhibit multiple local peaks and only one global double, triple, or quadruple peaks of power-voltage characteristic
MPP. A comprehensive assessment of the FPA is carried out against DE curves. Boost converters were employed with TMS320F2808 digital
and PSO with two different PV array configurations. The results clearly signal processors to test the proposed MPPT method. The authors de-
demonstrate that proposed trackers have high accuracy and stability in monstrated that empirical results confirm that the proposed method
extracting the global MPP in all the tested cases no matter where the exhibits more favorable dynamic and static-state response tracking
global MPP locates. performance compared to the conventional TLBO.
The simulated power voltage and current curves for a selected
pattern (G1 = 1000 W/m2, G2 = 1000 W/m2, G3 = 100 W/m2, G4
3.1.12. The mine blast algorithm (MBA)
= 500 W/m2, G5 = 300 W/m2, G6 = 300 W/m2) are shown in Fig. 18.
Mine blast is a recent meta-heuristic optimization algorithm pro-
posed by Sadollah et al.
3.1.11. Teaching learning based optimization technique (TLBO) The MBA is based on the observation of the explosion of a mine
TLBO is a recent meta-heuristic optimization algorithm that has bomb that produces thrown pieces of shrapnel and collides with other
been developed by Rao et al. The teaching process is based on the in- ones in the same mine field thus helping in exploring the mine field.
teraction between the teacher and the students: it is known as teacher The main objective is to find the most explosive mine located at an
phase, while the interaction between two groups of students is known optimal location resulting in best objective function. The algorithm
as learner phase. Through these two stages of learning the optimal begins by defining an initial point called a shot point which is re-
solution is obtained. TLBO needs less controlling parameters such as the presented by (k is the number of shot points). It produces a number of
size of the population, number of generations, and number of iterations shrapnel pieces, Ns, which act as individuals inside a population [34].
[33,34]. The location of the exploding mine as determined by the shrapnel
TLBO is a population-based algorithm that simulates the learning pieces is calculated as given in the following equation [34]:
process in the classroom. There are group of students (learners) and one
teacher, this teacher tries to improve the performance of all students; a ⎛ m (j + 1)k ⎞ k
x (j + 1)k = x e(j + 1)k + exp ⎜− ⎟*x j j = 0, 1, 2, ……(Ns −1),
good teacher produces better students in their results and marks or ν(j + 1)k
⎝ ⎠ (22)
grades. The searching process is divided into two phases, teacher phase
and learner phase where x e(j + 1)k is the exploding mine bomb location, m (j + 1)k ), ν(j + 1)k , are

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F. Belhachat, C. Larbes Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 92 (2018) 513–553

Fig. 27. Flow chart of INC-FFA [39].

the direction and the distance of the generated thrown shrapnel pieces ν j −1k
ν jk =
in each iteration, and x kj is the previous solution. The value of k
exp ( α ) (25)
x e(j + 1)k can be calculated as follows:
In this process, the location of the exploded mine bomb is calculated
x e(j + 1)k = ν j + 1k *+ cos(θ), (23) using Eq. (22) while the distance and shrapnel pieces are calculated as
follows:

ν j + 1k = ν jk *(randn)2 , (24) ν j + 1k = (x (j + 1)k − x (j)k)2 + (F (j + 1)k − F(j)k)2 , (26)

where randn is a normally distributed pseudorandom number obtained F (j + 1)k − F(j)k

by Matlab function called randn. m j + 1k =
x (j + 1)k − x (j)k (27)
In the case when ν is less than k, this process is called the ex-
ploitation process. In this process, the optimal solution is converged by where F is the value of fitness function at location x. The MBA uses Eqs.
gradually reducing the initial distance of shrapnel pieces through a (22) and (23) for calculating the distance of shrapnel pieces and the
reduction constant defined by the user which is calledα . The reduction exploded mine bomb location in the exploration process; while in the
in the initial distance is calculated as follows: exploitation process, the MBA algorithm focuses on the optimal point
by using Eqs. (21) and (25)–(27). The value of x (j + 1)k given in Eqs. (24)

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Fig. 28. Experimental results for PSC, (a) P-V curve, (b) P&O, (c) FFA and (d) INC-FFA [39].

and (25) is the final location of the exploding mine determined by the 3.1.14. Glowworm swarm optimization (GSO) based MPPT
shrapnel pieces obtained from the exploration process. Glowworm swarm optimization (GSO) is a novel bionic algorithm
In [34], the MBA algorithm is compared to the TLBO algorithm. The for the optimization of multimodal functions. It is firstly proposed by
convergence time of MBA in all studied cases is better than that in TLBO Krishnanand and Ghose, who were inspired from the natural phenom-
( Fig. 19). The results show that the proposed MBA is more reliable, enon that glowworms exchange information of searching for food with
more efficient, and superior to the TLBO algorithm in extracting GMPP their peers in 2005.The GSO algorithm shows outstanding performance
from the partially shaded PV system. in finding the optimal solution for the multimodal functions [24].
The algorithm uses glowworms with a luminescent quantity, called
luciferin, as their agents. In the beginning, glowworms, as initial solu-
3.1.13. S-Jaya algorithm based MPPT tions, are randomly distributed in the problem space, then they move to
A MPPT method based on proposed S-Jaya algorithm for PV systems a brighter state in their own sensor range. Finally, they gather around
under partial shading conditions was presented in [25]. the brightest ones, which correspond to the optimized solution of the
The Jaya algorithm, a variant of the swarm intelligence, did not problem. There are three phases in this process: luciferin update phase,
require algorithm-specific parameters and this advantage made it an movement phase, and the local-decision range update phase.
attractive solution algorithm for the MPPT of PV systems compared to
other heuristic search algorithms. However, random numbers in the
1. Luciferin update phase. The value of luciferin glowworms carry
generic Jaya algorithm could produce possible negative solution up-
mainly depends on the objective function value of the current
dates and thereby degraded the MPPT performance.
position. The formula for updating luciferin is given by:
In [25], the generic Jaya algorithm was extended to S-Jaya algo-
rithm by integrating a natural cubic spline model which offers accurate Ii (t+1) = (1−ρ)*Ii (t ) + γ *F (xi (t+1)) (28)
predictions to guide the iterative updates of candidate solutions. In the
S-Jaya algorithm, the natural cubic spline model predicted the effec- where ρ is the luciferin decay constant (0 < ρ < 1) set as 0.4,
tiveness of the updated solutions and negative updates were discarded. (1 − ρ)*Ii (t) to simulate the decay of the luciferin with time. γ is the
To validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed MPPT luciferin enhancement constant set as 0.6, Ii (t) and Ii (t + 1) are the
method, comprehensive simulation studies and experiments were con- luciferins at iterations t and t + 1, respectively, and F(xi (t + 1)
ducted. The performance of the MPPT based on the S-Jaya algorithm represents the objective function which is the output power of the PV
was compared to the MPPT based on the generic Jaya algorithm and module in this paper, given by:
well-tuned PSO algorithm. F = Ppv = Vpv*I (29)
Results of the simulation studies and experiments demonstrated that
the S-Jaya algorithm outperformed benchmarking algorithms in terms where Vpv is the total voltage of the PV cells in series. The voltage of
of the convergence speed, the oscillations in the convergence, and the each PV cell can be expressed as a function of the current I. Thus, F is
overall tracking efficiency. the function of solar irradiation S, the current I, and the temperature T.
The power generation sampled by the PV simulator (sampling in- I is the parameter to be optimized through this algorithm, which is
terval = 1 s) is depicted in Fig. 20. regarded as the location of the glowworm, and S is the input variable.

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Ni (t) = {j:di,j (t) < r id, Ii (t) < Ij (t)} (31)

di,j (t) = xi −x ,j is the Euclidean distance between glowworms i and
j at iteration t. r id represents the variable neighborhood range associated
with glowworm i at time t.
Glowworms are attracted by neighbors that glow brighter; that is,
glowworms will move to the neighbors that have larger luciferin values
than the other neighbors. The movement is decided by the probability
given by Eq. (12). If Pij0 (t) = maxj (Pij (t)) , set the position of glowworm i
equal to the position of glowworm j. Then glowworms update their
position.
The movement update rule can be stated as follows:

xj (t)−x i (t ) ⎞
xi (t + 1) = xi (t)+s *⎛⎜ ⎟
⎝ j (t)−x ,i (t ) ⎠
x (32)
where s is the step size and xi (t) and xi (t + 1) are the locations of agent i
at iteration t and t + 1, respectively.

3. Local-decision range update phase. The decision radius should be

updated according to the number of individuals in the current range:
r id (t + 1) = min{rs,max{o,r id (t)+ β*(nt − Ni (t) }} (33)
where β is the variation coefficient of the decision radius and nt is the
number of individuals with high luciferin values in the local-decision
range.
The flowchart of this algorithm is shown in Fig. 21.
The authors [24] presented a MPPT method with glowworm swarm
optimization (GSO) for PV in a photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) system
under non-uniform solar irradiation and temperature distribution. The
performance of the proposed methods is compared to the conventional
methods including the P&O algorithm and the fractional open-circuit
voltage technique (FOCVT) (Fig. 22). Simulation results show that the
proposed method can rapidly track the real maximum power point
(MPP) under different conditions, such as the gradient temperature
distribution, the fast variable solar irradiation and the variable partial
shading.

3.1.15. Whale optimization algorithm (WOA) based MPPT

Fig. 29. Flow chart of SA-PSO [46]. The Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is a new optimization
technique for solving optimization problems. Whale Optimization
2. Movement phase. Each agent decided to move to a superior Algorithm (WOA) is a novel nature-inspired meta-heuristic optimiza-
individual according to a probability mechanism. The probability of tion algorithm, which mimics the social behavior of humpback whales.
the agent i moving to the agent j is calculated by: The algorithm is inspired by the bubble-net hunting strategy.
This algorithm includes three operators to simulate the search for
Ij (t) − Ii (t) prey, encircling prey, and bubble-net foraging behavior of humpback
Pij = whales.
∑m ∈ Ni (t) Im (t) − Ii (t) (30)
In [37], a MPPT based on Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is
proposed to analyze analytic modeling of PV system considering both
where Ni (t) is the neighborhood group of the agent i: series and shunt resistances for MPP tracking under PSC. The proposed

Fig. 30. Output voltage-time curve when the irradiance changes from 1000 W/m2 to 400 W/m2 [46].

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Fig. 31. Experimental results demonstrating dynamic tracking capability for cases (C1-C6-C8). (a) P-V characteristic. (b) The proposed FWA-P&O GMPPT method. (c)
Conventional PSO [41].

algorithm is tested on 6S, 3S2P and 2S3P Photovoltaic array config- on psychological and mental states of an ambitious person. The main
urations for different shading patterns. The performances of Whale objective of the HPO algorithm is the maximum extraction of the power
method were compared to GWO and PSO MPPT algorithms. from PV panel and efficiently supplying it to the load (battery). In this
From the results it is noticed that proposed MPPT method is su- study, a single (current) sensor based MPPT for battery charging, by
perior to other MPPT methods with reference to accuracy and tracking using HPO MPPT algorithms, is tested on Matlab simulation and ver-
speed. Tracking Curves of Power and Voltage of 6S PV Configuration is ified on a developed prototype of the partially shaded solar PV system.
shown in Fig. 23. The efficient battery charging and quickly reaching the MPP by HPO in
steady-state as well as in dynamic conditions, show the superiority of
the proposed method over the hybrid P&O-PSO and hybrid Lagrange
3.1.16. Human psychology optimization (HPO)
interpolation with PSO (LIPSO) control methods (Fig. 24). Moreover,
The authors [38] introduced a quick, highly efficient and a single
due to the single sensor, the cost of the MPPT system is reduced, as well
sensor based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for partially
as due to HPO the computational burden is very less, so it can be easily
shaded solar photovoltaic (PV) system. For this purpose, a human
implemented on the low-cost microcontroller.
psychology optimization (HPO) algorithm is proposed, which is based

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Fig. 32. Performance of the MPPT by using: (a) PSO, (b) ACOPO, (c) FPA and (d) Jaya-DE [49].

3.2.2. A hybrid MPPT based on Incremental conductance and Firefly

algorithm (INC-FFA)
The authors [39] proposed a hybrid maximum power point tracking
(MPPT) algorithm (INC-FA) combining incremental conductance (INC)
and firefly algorithm (FFA) to achieve better adaptability in various
environments. INC is widely used because of its low-cost implementa-
tion and stability under rapidly changing atmospheric conditions, while
FA is efficient in searching the GMPP. This combination (INC-FFA) not
only enables a faster global searching capability but also performs well
as a direct method in the case of a single peak. In addition, INC-FFA
introduces the concept of the global optimal region and devises the
population initialization mechanism to determine the initial position
and population size of fireflies.
Fig. 33. P-V track in the change from SP5 to SP6 using the hybrid and ANN The proposed algorithm can be divided into three stages: pre-search,
techniques [40]. global search, and local search. Fig. 27 shows a flow chart of INC-FFA
method based MPPT.
The proposed algorithm is compared to three other MPPT methods
Experimental results of HPO MPPT method is shown in Fig. 25.
under different conditions.
The main advantage of the proposed algorithm is that it enables a
3.2. Methods based on hybrid approaches quick switch between different search modes for single/multiple peaks.
Hence, INC-FFA can track change in external conditions rapidly.
Hybrid approaches are usually combining two or many approaches Additionally, it achieves a lower oscillation making the output power
where a drawback of one strategy is overcome by other one. more stable. Experimental results under partial shading are presented in
Fig. 28.
3.2.1. A hybrid MPPT based on ANFIS-PI
The authors [63] designed an intelligent MPPT controller that al- 3.2.3. A hybrid MPPT based on simulated annealing algorithm and particle
lows predicting and extracting the global maximum power point swarm optimization algorithm (SA-PSO)
(GMPP) from PV array under partial shading conditions (PSC) for any The authors [46] proposed a hybrid simulated annealing algorithm
PV configuration type or size based on adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference and particle swarm optimization (SA-PSO) algorithm based on MPPT
system (ANFIS) and PI controller. The ANFIS-PI network is trained algorithm which is used for photovoltaic systems under mu conditions.
using the data derived from performances analysis of different PV array The proposed algorithm can reduce the tracking time and increase
configurations. Furthermore, the ANFIS network uses a hybrid learning tracking accuracy. The proposed technique performs better under
algorithm that combines the least-squares estimator and the gradient shading conditions compared to existing SA MPPT algorithm and PSO
method. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed technique MPPT algorithm. A flow chart of SA-PSO is depicted in Fig. 29. Output
can quickly track the real maximum power with higher efficiency and voltage-time curve when the irradiance changes from 1000W/m2 to
without oscillations around the GMPP under partial shading. In addi- 400W/m2 is shown in Fig. 30.
tion, the proposed method shows robustness against sudden changes in
the irradiance level during partial shading. ANFIS controller response 3.2.4. A hybrid MPPT based on fireworks and P&O algorithm (FWA-P&O)
under partial shading conditions is depicted in Fig. 26. The authors [41] presented a GMPPT strategy exploiting the

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Fig. 34. Simulation results when changing from SP5 to SP6 of the hybrid and ANN techniques: (a) output power of the photovoltaic array, (b) terminal voltage of the
PV array, (c) duty cycle of the boost converter [40].

Fig. 35. (a) P-V characteristic curve of the three shading patterns. (b) The output power during the three shading patterns [64].

advantages of the conventional Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm, and fast convergence. The proposed GMPPT strategy is implemented
and the Fireworks algorithm (FWA). For determining the appropriate using a low-cost microcontroller and its effectiveness with respect to
use of each algorithm, a partial shading detection technique was de- detection of partial shading and GMPP tracking is verified through
rived and validated through hardware based testing. In the proposed experimentation (Fig. 31). The performance of the proposed GMPPT
GMPPT control strategy, the P&O algorithm is employed under uniform strategy is compared to that of a conventional PSO based GMPPT
irradiation conditions due to its dynamic tracking capability, and the control and has been demonstrated to be superior in terms of power
MPP voltage and current are monitored continuously. oscillation during tracking, and dynamic tracking capability.
When partial shading is detected, the FWA is used to determine the
GMPP, owing to its good exploration and exploitation characteristics,

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Fig. 36. Comparison of proposed AFL-ANN MPPT method with the P&O and improved P&O methods, under different scenarios [65].

Fig. 37. Simulation results of DANC with voltage scan method [66].

3.2.5. A hybrid MPPT based on Jaya algorithm and differential evolution response comparing to the ANN.
(Jaya-DE) Figs. 33 and 34 show P-V track in the change from SP5 to SP6 and
The authors [49] introduced a hybrid of “Jaya” and “Differential simulation results of the hybrid and ANN techniques, respectively.
Evolution (DE)” (Jaya-DE) technique for MPPT in the highly fluctuating
atmospheric conditions. This Jaya-DE algorithm is tested on Matlab 3.2.7. A hybrid MPPT based scanning procedure and ANN
simulator and is verified on a developed hardware of the solar photo- The authors [64] combined an ANN controller with scanning pro-
voltaic (PV) system, which consists of a single peak and many multiple cedure to track the GMPP for standalone photovoltaic system under any
peaks in the voltage-power curve. The satisfactory steady-state and weather conditions.
dynamic performances of this hybrid technique under variable irra- The scanning procedure identifies the GMPP and its corresponding
diance and temperature levels show the superiority over other control voltage, and the ANN is activated to give the appropriate duty cycle (D).
methods (Fig. 32). Simulation results show that the proposed approach is effective in
tracking the MPP and presents fast response time compared to the
3.2.6. A hybrid MPPT based on P&O (or INC) and neural network (P&O- improved variable step P&O with global scanning (PO&GS) and incre-
NN) mental conductance controller based on a fuzzy duty cycle change es-
The authors [40] introduced a hybrid maximum power point timator (FLE) with direct control (Fig. 35).
tracking (MPPT) technique for photovoltaic (PV) arrays working under
partial shading conditions (PSCs). This algorithm can combine a tra- 3.2.8. A hybrid MPPT based on augmented state feedback precise
ditional MPPT algorithm, such as perturb and observe (P&O) or incre- linearization (AFL) controller combined with an ANN (AFL/ANN)
mental conductance (INC), with the artificial neural network (ANN) A hybrid MPPT method using an augmented state feedback precise
technique. The proposed hybrid MPPT algorithm is based on the ANN linearization (AFL) controller combined with an ANN is proposed to
and used to predict the global maximum power point (MPP) region by solve problems such as the shift of the static operating point of the DC/
estimating its voltage boundaries. Consequently, the conventional DC boost converter.
MPPT algorithm searches for the MPP in the predicted region. Control methods for MPPT and for the entire grid-connected PV
The proposed technique is modeled and simulated using Matlab/ power generation system under PSC were proposed in [65]. An ANN
Simulink. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid was combined with the nonlinear controller of a DC/DC converter to
MPPT technique to track the global MPP accurately with a rapid obtain good tracking, especially in case of fast irradiance changes. The

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Fig. 38. (a) P-V curve of PV string under module-level PSC. (b) Tracking trajectories under PSC [67].

Fig. 39. A simulated PV module output power under PSC [68].

proposed hybrid MPPT method is compared to the conventional P&O The entire photovoltaic system tracking process shown in Fig. 37.
method and the improved P&O method through simulations (Fig. 36).
The proposed neural network and nonlinear control strategy, can track
rapidly, accurately, and statically. 3.2.10. A hybrid MPPT based on model-based and improved P&O (MPF-IP
&O)
A hybrid MPPT (MPF-IP&O) based on a model-based peak fore-
3.2.9. A hybrid MPPT based on direct adaptive neural control and voltage casting (MPF) method and an improved perturbation and observation
traverse (DANC-VT) (IP&O) method is proposed in [67].
The authors [66] combined an adaptive neural network control with The MPF considers the influence of temperature and does not re-
the feedback load voltage traverse. First, the feedback load voltage quire solar radiation measurements. In addition, it can forecast all of
traversal method is used to quickly reach the reference voltage, and the peak values of the PV string without complex computation under
then the DANC online learning algorithm is used to stabilize the peak PSCs, and it can determine the candidate GMPP after a comparison.
value. The simulation results show that the proposed method can track Hence, the MPF narrows the searching range tremendously and accel-
the global maximum power point (GMPP) of the PV array before and erates the convergence to the GMPP. Additionally, the IP&O with a
after under PSC. Compared to other traditional algorithms, the algo- successive approximation strategy searches for the real GMPP in the
rithm is simple and has better tracking accuracy, rapidity and stability. neighborhood of the candidate one, which can significantly enhance the

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Fig. 40. (a) P-V curve for different insolation levels. (b) Simulation results of traditional PSO algorithm. (c) Simulation results of proposed hybrid (PSO-P&O) method
[44].

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Fig. 41. The performance of each proposed algorithms under the transition between irradiance combinations 1000–900–800–500, 1000–500–400–200,
800–600–300–200, 700–500–400–200, 1000–800–700–500 W/m2 ladder [69].

tracking efficiency. particle swarm optimization technique with Brain Emotional Learning
Simulation and experiment results show that the proposed method Based Intelligent Controller (IPSO-BELBIC). This technique improves
has a higher tracking speed and accuracy than the P&O and PSO the maximum power point (MPP) tracking capabilities for photovoltaic
methods under partial shading conditions. Fig. 38 shows the tracking (PV) system under partial shading circumstances. The main aim of this
trajectories under PSC for P&O, PSO and MPF-IP&O methods. improved algorithm is to accelerate the velocity of IPSO to reach to
(MPP) and increase its efficiency. The authors are also employed IPSO
3.2.11. A hybrid MPPT based on Lagrange interpolation formula and PSO with PID to track global maximum power point. The two algorithms
algorithm (LI-PSO) improved the tracking time under complex irradiance conditions. The
The authors [68] described a maximum power point tracking tracking time of these presented techniques improves to 2 ms, with an
method for a photovoltaic system based on the Lagrange Interpolation efficiency of 100%.
Formula and proposed the particle swarm optimization method. The Fig. 41 illustrates the performance of each proposed algorithms.
proposed control scheme eliminates the problems of conventional
methods by using only a simple numerical calculation to initialize the 3.2.14. A hybrid MPPT based on PSO algorithm and shuffled frog leaping
particles around the global maximum power point. Hence, the sug- algorithm (PSO-SFLA)
gested scheme will utilize fewer iterations to reach the maximum power The SFLA is a new metaheuristic population evolutionary algorithm
point. The proposed algorithm is verified with the OPAL-RT real time and it has fast calculation speed and excellent global search capability.
simulator and the Matlab Simulink tool, with several simulations being It has the advantages of simple concept, few parameters, fast calcula-
carried out, and compared to the P&O method, the INC method, and the tion speed, strong global optimization ability, and so on.
conventional PSO based algorithm. The simulation results indicate the SFLA solve problem with the collaboration and communication
proposed algorithm can effectively enhance stability and fast tracking behavior shown in the foraging process. In SFLA, each frog is defined as
capability under fast changing non-uniform insolation conditions a solution to the problem and the whole frog population is divided into
(Fig. 39). many different small groups called meme group to simulate the clus-
tering behavior; each frog group has the ability of judging food source
3.2.12. A hybrid MPPT based on PSO algorithm and P&O technique (PSO- which is affected by other groups. In each evolutionary process, the best
P&O) and the worst frog in each group were located and the worst frog was
The authors [44] proposed a hybrid MPPT method for a PGS under updated by some way which is similar to the velocity shift model op-
partial shading condition (PSC) by combining an intelligent particle erator in PSO. After a certain number of evolutions in each group, all
swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with a perturb and observe (P&O) the frog groups are mixed into the whole frog population to exchange
technique. A much more accurate detection of the maximum power and share the information among each updated frog group. These steps
point (MPP) of a PGS under PSC can be attained using these two MPPT will perform again and again until a predetermined number of times
algorithms, have been executed [51].
Yang et al. [45] proposed a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) The authors [52] proposed an improved two-stage PSO algorithm
control method for PV system based on an improved particle swarm using a grouping concept for the MPPT control in a PV system under
optimization (PSO) algorithm and variable step perturb and observe (P PSCs. The grouping approach derived from the shuffled frog leaping
&O) method. Firstly, the grouping idea of shuffled frog leaping algo- algorithm (SFLA) is introduced into the basic PSO algorithm, ensuring
rithm (SFLA) is introduced into the basic PSO algorithm, ensuring the high speed of convergence and good accuracy. In addition an adaptive
differences among particles and the searching of global extremum. And inertia factor is introduced into the improved PSO to further improve its
then, the variable step P&O method is used to track the global max- convergence rate.
imum power point (GMPP) accurately with the change of environment. The proposed method was compared to the traditional PSO under
The superiority of the proposed method over the traditional PSO the same parameter settings and light conditions. The experimental
algorithm in terms of tracking speed and steady-state oscillations is results show that the proposed method with appropriate parameters
highlighted by simulation and experimental results under partial outperforms the original PSO algorithm in most cases and has the
shading condition. Simulation results of traditional PSO algorithm and benefits of fast and accurate searching for MPPs and can adapt quickly
hybrid method (PSO-P&O) are shown in Fig. 40. to the changes of light and temperature levels, demonstrating its su-
perior performance for locating the global MPPs under PSCs. Fig. 42
3.2.13. Improved particle swarm optimization technique (PSO) brain shows experimental results of the PSO and PSO-SFLA methods.
emotional learning based intelligent controller (IPSO-BELBIC) The authors [51] presented a maximum power point tracking
The authors [69] presented an algorithm based on the improved (MPPT) based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) improved

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Fig. 42. Experimental results of the two methods. (a) The changing process of illumination intensity of three PV modules. (b) Results from the traditional PSO
algorithm. (c) Results from the proposed PSO-SFLA MPPT algorithm [52].

shuffled frog leaping algorithm (PSFLA). Firstly, the PSFLA was pro- comparisons between PSFLA and SFLA algorithm were developed. The
posed by adding the inertia weight factor w of PSO in standard SFLA to experiment and comparison between PSLFA and PSO algorithm under
overcome the defect of falling into the partial optimal solutions and complex environment were executed. The simulation and experiment
slow convergence speed. The proposed PSFLA algorithm increased results indicate that the proposed MPPT control strategy based on
calculation speed and excellent global search capability of MPPT. Then, PSFLA can suppress the measurement noise effects effectively and im-
the PSFLA was applied to MPPT to solve the multiple extreme point prove the PV array efficiency.
problems of nonlinear optimization. Secondly, for the problems of
MPPT under complex environments, a MPPT strategy of the PSFLA
3.2.15. A hybrid MPPT based on Grey Wolf optimization and perturb &
combined with recursive least square filtering was proposed to over-
observe (GWO- P&O)
come the measurement noise effects on MPPT accuracy. The simulation
The authors [42] proposed a hybrid MPPT algorithm combining

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Fig. 43. (a) P-V curves exhibiting multiple peaks. (b) Tracking curves for 3S configuration for extreme rapid change in insolation [42].

Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Perturb & Observe (P&O) tech-
nique for efficient extraction of maximum power from a Photovoltaic
(PV) system subjected to rapid variation of solar irradiance and partial
shading conditions (PSCs). GWO handles the initial stages of maximum
power point (MPP) tracking followed by application of the P&O algo-
rithm at the final stage in view of achieving faster convergence to the
global peak. This MPPT thus overcomes the computational overhead as
encountered in the case of a GWO based MPPT algorithm. The idea
behind using the hybrid technique is to scale down the search space of
GWO which helps to speed up for achieving convergence towards the
GP. The proposed MPPT algorithm is first implemented using Matlab/
Simulink and subsequently an experimental setup is prepared for its
practical implementation. The obtained results, demonstrates that the
proposed MPPT provides superior tracking performance in any weather
conditions compared to both GWO and PSO-P&O based MPPT algo-
rithms (Fig. 43).

3.2.16. A hybrid MPPT based on artificial fish-swarm algorithm optimized

by particle swarm optimization with extended memory (PSOEM-FSA)
The authors [47] presented an artificial fish-swarm algorithm (FSA),
which is optimized by particle swarm optimization with extended
memory (PSOEM-FSA). In this algorithm, both the velocity inertia
factor and the memory and learning capacity of PSOEM are introduced
into the FSA.
The simulation results show that the proposed approach is effective
in MPPT under partial shading conditions and has a more stable per-
formance when compared to the traditional methods in convergence
speed and searching precision. The flowchart of the proposed algorithm
is shown in Fig. 44.
Fig. 45 depicts output power curves of the three methods (PSOEM-
FSA, PSOFASA, Point by point comparison).
The authors [48] presented a modified artificial fish swarm algo-
rithm (AFSA) for MPP tracking (MPPT) in PV modules under PS. In this
algorithm, the AFSA optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO)
Fig. 44. Flowchart of particle swarm optimization with extended memory of algorithm with extended memory (PSOEM-FSA) is improved by hy-
fish-swarm algorithm (PSOEM-FSA) for MPPT [47]. bridizing it with adaptive visual and step, and the resulting algorithm is
a comprehensive improvement on the AFSA (abbreviated as CIAFSA).
Combining the searching capabilities of the PSOEM-FSA and the self-

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Fig. 45. Output power curves of the three methods (PSOEM-FSA, PSOFASA, point by point comparison) [47].

Fig. 46. Simulation results of WODE technique. (a) Power. (b) Duty cycle [50].

shaded solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This “WODE” technique is used

for quick and oscillation-free tracking of the global best peak position in
a few steps. The unique advantage of this algorithm for maximum
power point tracking in partially shaded condition is as, it is free from
common and generalized problems of other evolutionary techniques,
like longer convergence duration, a large number of search particles,
steady-state oscillation, heavy computational burden, etc., which cre-
ates power loss and oscillations in output. This hybrid algorithm is
tested in Matlab simulation (Fig. 46) and verified on a developed
hardware of the solar PV system, which consists of multiple peaks in
voltage-power curve (Fig. 47). Moreover, the tracking ability is com-
pared to other methods. The satisfactory steady-state and dynamic
performances of the proposed hybrid technique under variable irra-
diance and temperature levels show the superiority over other control
methods.
Fig. 47. Experimental results of WODE technique [50].
3.2.18. A hybrid MPPT based on modified perturb and observe and
learning ability of adaptive visual and step for AFSA, CIAFSA is de- checking algorithm
veloped. To validate the effectiveness of this novel MPPT technique, the The authors [70] proposed a modified maximum power point
PV system along with the proposed MPPT algorithm is simulated using tracking (MPPT) technique for photovoltaic (PV) system using an im-
the Matlab/Simulink Simscape toolbox. Results show that the proposed proved Perturb and Observe (P&O) with a checking algorithm. The
approach is more effective in MPPT in PV systems under partial shading main advantage of this method is its simplicity and accuracy of the
conditions when compared to other methods in searching precision. algorithm such that it can even be computed accurately using a low cost
microcontroller. The basic idea of this modified P&O is adding a
3.2.17. A hybrid MPPT based on whale optimization and differential checking algorithm into a modified P&O MPPT. This checking algo-
evolution techniques (WODE) rithm functions to determine the global maximum power by comparing
The authors [50] introduced a humpback whale hunting behavior all existed peak points first, before the modified P&O algorithm takes
inspired whale optimization with differential evolution (WODE) tech- place to identify the voltage at MPP (VMPP), which is needed to calcu-
nique-based tracking algorithm for the maximum power point tracking late the duty cycle for the boost converter. A simulation using Matlab/
in the dynamic as well as the steady-state conditions of a partially Simulink under partial shading condition has been done to test the

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Fig. 48. Simulation results for modified P&O with checking algorithm under partial shading condition [70].

effectiveness of the algorithm. The simulation results are satisfactory 3.3. Methods based on mathematical model
and show that the improved technique is able to track the PV maximum
power during partial shading condition with 100% of tracking effi- 3.3.1. Modified Beta algorithm based MPPT
ciency and produce zero ripple at the load side. Fig. 48 shows simula- Motivated by the advantages of the Beta method, such as fast
tion results for modified P&O with checking algorithm under partial tracking speed, zero oscillations for steady state, and simple im-
shading condition. plementation, the authors [59] proposed and verified a novel beta
parameter based GMPPT algorithm for complicated PSC application.
Both simulation and experimental comparison of the proposed al-
3.2.19. A hybrid MPPT based on modified Bat algorithm and perturb & gorithm with other widely discussed algorithms was conducted for
observe algorithm different PSC patterns (Figs. 50 and 51).
The authors [43] proposed a dual algorithm search method that
consists of modified Bat algorithm and P&O algorithm. The standard
3.3.2. Modified Fibonacci search algorithm
Bat Algorithm has been modified by adding a similar feature to tabu list
A Fibonacci search algorithm and the behavior of the P–V char-
of Tabu Search Algorithm. In search process, firstly, modified Bat Al-
acteristic of a PV array under partial shading conditions are used for
gorithm is used to determine the area of global peak, then P&O is re-
tracking the GMPP in [60]. The proposed system has been tested under
placed to track the maximum power point in the area of global peak. If
different solar insolation shading patterns. The proposed MPPT algo-
the power varies greatly and rapidly, the search process starts again.
rithm is compared to the conventional Fibonacci search algorithm
Standard Bat Algorithm, P&O and the proposed method are simulated
(Fig. 52). It has been found that the proposed system has superior
under standard test condition and partially shaded conditions (Fig. 49).
power tracking performance and tracking speed. A power management
The simulations show that performance of the proposed method is su-
system has also been presented for optimal use of the power generated
perior to both the standard Bat Algorithm and P&O.
from the PV and battery system. The transitions from the grid-con-
nected mode to standalone mode and vice versa have also been

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Fig. 49. Simulation curves. (a) Hybrid (modified Bat algorithm-P&O). (b) P&O. (c) Bat [43].

evaluated in the experimental system. This system is extremely useful stable oscillation behavior around the Global Maximum Power Point
because it transfers maximum power from the PV system, improves the (GMPP).
power quality and also can operate both in standalone and grid-con- The performance of the proposed ESC algorithm is compared to the
nected modes. conventional ESC and modified P&O method in terms of tracking speed
and accuracy (Fig. 53).
3.3.3. A MPPT based on extremum seeking control The simulation results demonstrate that the tracking capability of
A method based on Modified Extremum Seeking Control (ESC) is the proposed ESC algorithm is superior to that of the conventional ESC
applied to determine the optimal value of a reference current in the PV and modified P&O algorithm, particularly under low radiance and
system in [61].The proposed ESC approach for the Global Maximum sudden mutation irradiance conditions.
Power Point Tracking (GMPPT) uses a series combination of a High Pass The authors [62] presented a general description about the Ex-
Filter (HPF) and two Low Pass Filters (LPFs). These three filters act as tremum Seeking Control (ESC) method, and its applications in the
two Band Pass Filters (BPFs) and let a specific frequency of input power nonlinear systems, which have an unknown dynamics. The system we
which includes the derivative of PV with respect to its voltage pass are interested in is the photovoltaic system.
through. This auto-tuning strategy was developed to maximize the PV
array output power through the regulation of the voltage input to the
DC-DC boost converter in order to lead the PV array steady-state to a

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power-voltage (P-V) characteristics of a photovoltaic (PV) array. This

method is simple and inexpensive. In addition, it can be implemented
on any array size whether un-shaded or partially shaded. The authors
[53] presented a unique H-bridge architecture to scan the P-V curve
through capacitor in series. The control algorithm of the proposed
method works in two sequences.
The sizing criterion of scanning capacitor is comprehensively dis-
cussed with regard to array size and input capacitor of converter.
The proposed MPPT gained advantage over the parallel capacitor
MPPT because it neither separated the array from load nor dumped the
energy stored in capacitor through an extra resistor. The fundamental
operation of proposed MPPT has been verified through experimental
results (Fig. 54).

3.4.2. A MPPT based on curve fitting

In [54], a MPPT strategy for a PV string under partial shading is
introduced, which applies curve fitting on electrical measurements re-
corded by the DC/DC converter, to continuously monitor the global
maximum.
The introduced MPPT method continuously detects the shading para-
meters and estimates all power peaks on the P-V curve, guaranteeing
continuous operation at the global maximum. The algorithm applies least
squares (LSQ) curve fitting (CF) to measurements at the current MPP,
utilizing the inherent ripple, without the need for additional perturbation
on the operating point. The calculations performed are entirely mathe-
matical and no extra measurement equipment is required, such as irra-
diance or temperature sensors. The method is designed for PV strings il-
Fig. 50. Simulation results. (a) P-V and I-V curves. (b) Output power, voltage, luminated at two irradiance levels.
current and duty cycle [59]. The simplified equivalents for operation at MPP1 and MPP2 are il-
lustrated in Fig. 55.
Figs. 56 and 57 show the operating point variation around MPP1
MPP2 and simulations of a partially shaded PV string with Gun = 0.8,
Gsh = 0.4 and T = 45 °C at varying Nsh = 0.24 of 36 cell strings in total,
applying a standard P&O algorithm and the proposed CFMPPT method,
respectively. (The subscript “un” or “sh” refers to the unshaded or
shaded group respectively).

3.4.3. MPPT based on active bypassing of the shaded cells

The authors [55] presented MPPT algorithm for partial shading of
series connected PV cells/modules. The algorithm performs active by-
passing of the shaded cells that decrease the total output power of the
PV system (Fig. 58).
By performing extensive simulation of different shading conditions,
Fig. 51. Experimental results [59].
the algorithm was tested for two series connected cells. It was shown
that algorithm works and increases the output power under partial
3.4. Other GMPT methods shading conditions. Furthermore, the algorithm becomes more efficient
when the number of cells is increased. Therefore, it should be used in
Other methods were proposed in literature to deal with the partial large PV installations.
shading problem
3.4.4. MPPT based on the open circuit two stages method
3.4.1. MPPT based on transient evolution of series capacitor The authors [56] proposed an improved tracking algorithm based
The transient evolution of capacitor can be exploited to examine the on the open circuit two stages method for GMPPT. The simulation

Fig. 52. Comparison of tracking performances between the proposed MPPT algorithm and the simple Fibonacci search based MPPT [60].

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Fig. 53. PV array output powers for proposed modified ESC [61].

Fig. 54. Performance of proposed scheme with Cin = 150 µF and Cscan = 470 µF under partial and uniform conditions [53].

results show that the proposed algorithm was able to accurately track changing conditions (Fig. 60).
the real peak in less time than the original two stage method on which it
was based. Fig. 59 illustrates the output power for different tracking
algorithms. 3.4.6. Stepped comparison search
The authors [58] proposed a direct variable step size global maximum
3.4.5. Recurrent scan and track method power point technique using stepped comparison search has been pro-
The authors [57] proposed a MPPT algorithm, called Recurrent Scan posed, which can effectively track the global maximum power point when
and Track (RST), suitable for the control of PV generators under non the multiple photovoltaic modules are under partially shaded conditions.
uniform and changing irradiation. RST method was developed con- The results show that the proposed GMPPT algorithm has satisfac-
sidering the changes in P-V and I-V characteristics under dynamic tory tracking accuracy under steady state and adaptability during
partial shading conditions. The RST method works in three simple steps transient conditions. The simulation and experimental results verify the
to successfully track the global MPP (GMPP) in a multi peak P-V curve. robustness properties of the proposed GMPPT under sudden changes in
Results from simulations and outdoor experimental tests prove that the the partial shading conditions. The performances of proposed Stepped
RST method has high conversion efficiency even under rapidly Comparison Search are depicted in Figs. 61 and 62, respectively.

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Fig. 55. (a) I-V and (b) P-V characteristics of a PV string illuminated at two irradiance levels, (c) electrical equivalent circuit and (d)–(e) simplified equivalents for
operation at MPP1 and MPP2 respectively [54].

Fig. 56. Operating point variation around (a) MPP1 and (b) MPP2, exploited in order to estimate the shading parameters and the other MPP [54].

3.4.7. MPPT based estimating the maximum PV power in various [72]. The authors introduced a PLC-based modified concept of INC
preplanned segments algorithm” with adaptive subroutine jump control (ASJC), for speedy
The authors [71] proposed a method based on estimating the max- MPPT action and resolving issues pertaining to multi-maxima points
imum PV power in various preplanned segments by measuring the slopes under partial shading conditions. The proposed method has higher PV
at different strategic points. These strategic points were decided based on energy conversion due to explicit control architecture of the DLMPPT
the measured open circuit voltage of the PV array. After measuring the technique, achieving 13.26% and 7.88% more utilization compared to
slopes at the strategic points, the estimation will be effected and the seg- CMPPT and DMPPT, respectively. The proposed work is able to de-
ment in which the global maximum power occurs was computed. Upon monstrate the development of an alternative technology base for PV
determination of the optimal segment, the conventional P&O technique energy extraction. It is affordable, low cost for an individual or a small
was deployed in the optimal segment to reach the global maximum power company, and adds capability to compete even in global market.
point. Once the GMPP was reached any change in the level of irradiation The variation in Pdc for CMPPT, DMPPT, and proposed DLMPPT
or irradiation pattern will be sensed by monitoring the PV array current. method is presented in Fig. 65.
Simulation and experimental evaluation were confirmed that the proposed
method of GMPP tracking worked effectively yielding excellent steady
3.4.9. Optimal current control (OCC)
state tracking efficiency with no divergence.
A novel method (OCC) has been presented and discussed in [73].
Figs. 63 and 64 illustrates a determination of slope on the PV
This method is based on the optimal operating current of solar arrays,
characteristic in the partitioned regions and response of the proposed
which is calculated and determined by the indirect relationship be-
method based on partitioned regions.
tween the optimal operating current and the external environmental
parameters. Its main advantages are that it can find the true peak ra-
3.4.8. Distributed MPPT (DMPPT) using programmable logic controller pidly and accuracy among the multiple local peaks. Meanwhile, the
(PLC) simplicity of implementation, high GMPPT accuracy, and high effi-
A DLMPPT control scheme based on dynamic energy equilibrium at ciency level are the additional advantages.
common dc bus and load demand at output stage of inverter connected A numerical analysis has been performed by using the scanning
to grid after electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter is proposed in method as a benchmark reference MPPT technique. The numerical

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Fig. 57. Simulations of a partially shaded PV string applying a standard P&O algorithm and the proposed CFMPPT method. (a) Unshaded cell strings Nun. (b) P-V
curve variation. (c) Output power. (d) Estimated irradiance values Gun and Gsh. (e) Operating voltage. (f) Estimated temperature T. (g) estimated Pmp1 and Pmp2. (h)
Estimated shaded cell strings number Nsh [54].

results confirm the validity of the proposed method because the per- performances compared to conventional methods like P&O and INC.
formances of OCC are always better with respect to the corresponding – The methods based on optimization algorithms are effective under
performances obtainable by adopting the scanning algorithm (Figs. 66 partial shading in tracking the global maximum power point.
and 67). However the performances of these methods are slightly different in
A summary of proposed global MPPT based on different techniques terms of efficiency and tracking speed and their complexity level
is shown in Table 1. depends on the used algorithm.
– Optimization based methods such as L-PSO, Multicore PSO, ABC,
4. Comparison and discussion ACO, SA, Bat algorithm, FFA, FWA, GWO, FPA, MBA, TLBO, S-Jaya,
GSO, WHA, HPO exhibit high convergence speed and tracking ac-
When PV systems are affected by partial shading, a GMPPT algo- curacy compared to traditional (standard) particle swarm optimi-
rithm is required to increase the energy harvesting capability of the zation method (PSO).
system. Various GMPPT methods are discussed in this paper. By ana- – The modified forms of different algorithms perform better than
lyzing the different methods discussed above, it can be seen that: original algorithms. For instance, the performance of standard PSO
has been enhanced by using Leader PSO. Modified Firefly algorithm
– All the discussed and classified GMPPT methods have better has superior performance than original Firefly. The tracking

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Fig. 58. Active bypassing [55].

Fig. 61. (a) P-V characteristics. (b) Performance of proposed stepped compar-
ison search GMPPT when G1 = 1000 W/m2, G2 = 800 W/m2 and G3 = 600 W/
m 2 [58].

emerged to track effectively GMPP. The WOA MPPT algorithm

proved its supremacy over GWO and PSO MPPTs.
– The TLBO algorithm has tracking time superior than MBA algorithm
and PSO algorithm.
– The performance of tracking under partial shading conditions can be
improved by employing the hybrid methods. The combined forms of
different algorithms perform better than original or single algo-
Fig. 59. Output power for different tracking algorithms [56]. rithms. The hybrid methods, can combine a traditional method with
an optimization algorithm, combine two optimizations algorithms
or integrate others methods to improve the performances.

For example, incremental conductance and firefly algorithm are

combined (INC-FFA) to improve adaptability and tracking speed under
different conditions.
GWO and P&O algorithms are also combined. This hybrid method
exhibits superior performance such as higher tracking speed and faster
convergence than GWO and PSO-P&O.
The conventional P&O algorithm and the Fireworks algorithm are
combined. Under uniform irradiation conditions, the P&O algorithm is
used owing to the lower magnitude of power oscillations during
tracking as compared to the FWA. Under partial shading conditions, the
FWA is employed due to its global search and fast tracking capability.
A simulated annealing algorithm and particle swarm optimization
(SA-PSO) algorithm are combined to reduce the tracking time and in-
crease tracking accuracy.
The hybrid of Jaya and DE evolutionary techniques is used. This
Fig. 60. Measured and simulated power produced by the PV module under hybrid Jaya-DE algorithm also enhances the quick decision taking
dynamic partial shading conditions [57]. ability and reduces the metaheuristic nature by increasing the con-
vergence speed of the algorithm.
capability of the modified ESC algorithm is superior to that of the A hybrid approach from Whale optimization with Differential
conventional ESC, etc… Evolution (WODE) is employed for fast tracking of the global MPP
– Others optimization algorithms like MBA, TLBO, WHO, HPO are without oscillation.

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Fig. 62. (a) Gating pulses, PV module current, power, load voltage, and PV module voltage. (b) I-V curve for two modules using proposed GMPPT algorithm [58].

Fig. 63. Determination of slope on the PV characteristic in the partitioned regions [71].

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Fig. 64. (a) P-V characteristic. (b) Response of the proposed method based on partitioned regions [71].

Fig. 65. Variation in Pdc for CMPPT, DMPPT, and proposed DLMPPT method
[72].

The combination of Lagrange Interpolation (LI) and PSO is used to Fig. 66. The GMPPT trajectories with three peaks for scanning method and
eliminate the traditional methods initialization problem. This can be OCC algorithm under stationary shade condition, with the corresponding P-I
done by migrating the particles close to the best position directly using characteristic curve [73].
Lagrange Interpolation (LI). This technique minimizes the PSO number
of iterations for reaching the MPP.

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A hybrid of PSO algorithm and shuffled frog leaping technique

(PSO-SFLA) is used to insure fast and accurate searching of the global
extremum, etc…
Other hybrid methods are also exploited to improve performance
tracking such as DANC-VT, P&O-NN, Modified Bat algorithm-P&O,
ANFIS-PI, scanning procedure-ANN, AFL-ANN, MPF-IP&O, IPSO-
BELBIC, PSOEM-FSA and P&O with a checking algorithm.
A modified Fibonacci and modified Extremum seeking techniques
have good efficiency but their design are relatively high. Beta algorithm
has good tracking response but the tracking efficiency can be enhanced.
In the category other methods like Transient evolution of series
capacitor, Curve fitting, open circuit two stages method, RST, Stepped
Comparison Search, Method based on estimating the maximum, OCC,
Fig. 67. The PV output power for scanning method and OCC algorithm under the GMPP can be successfully tracked under partial shading conditions.
fast transient variations of shading patterns, with the corresponding P-I char- The performances such as tracking speed, efficiency and oscillation
acteristic curve [73]. around MPP as well as the complexity level vary according to the
adopted algorithm.

Table 1
Comparison of global MPPT techniques.
Ref. GMPPT technique Complexity Tracking speed (s) Efficiency (%) Converter Application

[8] PSO Medium ≈ 1.5 – Buck-Boost Stand alone

[9] L-PSO Relatively Low 0.35 ≈ 99.99 Boost Stand alone
[11] Multicore PSO Medium 1.3 98.92 Buck Distributed PV system
[12] ABC Low 0.2 – Boost Stand alone
[14] ACO Low 1.1 ≈ 100 Boost Stand alone
[16], SA High – 92.17 Boost Stand alone/
[17] 0.32 – Hybrid system
[20] Bat algorithm Low 1.3 99.98 Buck-Boost Stand alone
[22] FFA Low to Medium 1.3 98.8 Boost Stand alone
[23] FWA Medium – – Boost Grid-connected
[30] GWO High – 99.92 Boost Stand alone
[26], FPA Low 0.47 99.82 Boost Stand alone
[28] 0.2 ≈ 100
[34] MBA Medium 0.14 – Boost Stand alone
[34] TLBO Medium 0.33 – Boost Stand alone
[25] S- Jaya Low 1.18 99.99 Boost Stand alone
[24] GSO Medium 0.0018 – Boost Photovoltaic/ Thermal
[37] WHA Medium 4.6 99.99 Boost Stand alone
[38] HPO Low 0.951 99.99 Boost Stand alone
[63] ANFIS-PI Medium 0.065 99.99 Buck-Boost Stand alone
[39] INC-FFA Medium 0.38 99.99 Boost Stand alone
[46] SA-PSO High 0.13 – Boost Stand alone
[41] FWA-P&O Medium – – Boost Stand alone
[49] Jaya-DE High 0.44 – Boost Stand alone
[40] P&O/INC-NN Medium – – Boost Stand alone
[64] Scanning procedure-ANN High 0.015 97.64 Boost Stand alone
[65] AFL-ANN High – 99.85 Boost Grid-connected
[66] DANC-VT Low 0.0389 99.98 Boost Stand alone
[67] MPF-IP&O Medium 0.38 99.98 Boost Stand alone
[68] LI-PSO Medium – 99.97 Cuck Grid-connected
[44] PSO-P&O Medium 0.9 – Boost Stand alone
[45] < 0.1 100
[69] IPSO-BELBIC Medium 0.002 100 / /
[51], PSO-SFLA Medium 3.15 – Boost Stand alone
[52] 0.012 99.71
[42] GWO- P&O Medium 0.015 100 Boost Stand alone
[47], PSOEM-FSA High – – Boost Stand-alone/Grid connected
[48]
[50] WODE High 1.23 99.10 / /
[70] P&O and a checking algorithm Low – 100 boost Stand alone
[43] Modified Bat Algorithm and P&O Medium – 99.85 Buck-boost Stand alone
[53] Transient evolution of series capacitor Medium 0.06 97.57 Boost Grid connected
[54] Curve fitting Low – 98.2 Boost /
[56] Open circuit two stages method Medium – – Boost Stand alone
[57] RST Relatively Low – – Boost Stand alone
[59] Modified Beta Medium 0.18 90.05 Boost –
[58] Stepped Comparison Search Low – 99.67 Boost Stand alone
[60] Modified Fibonacci search High 0.11 99.98 Boost Standalone/ Grid-connected
[61], ES High 2.1 99.87 Boost Stand alone
[62] 2.5 100
[71] Method based on estimating the maximum Medium 1.1 98.91 Buck Stand alone
[73] OCC Relatively simple ≈ 0.08 99.98 Boost Stand alone

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F. Belhachat, C. Larbes Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 92 (2018) 513–553

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