Hardware-In-the-Loop Validation of Direct MPPT Based Cuckoo Search Optimization for Partially Shaded Photovoltaic System

During partial shading conditions (PSCs), the power-voltage curve becomes more complex, having one global maximum power (GMP) and many local peaks. Traditional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms are unable to track the GMP under PSCs. Therefore, several optimization tactics based on metaheuristics or artificial intelligence have been applied to deal with GMP tracking effectively. This paper details how a direct control cuckoo search optimizer (CSO) is used to track the GMP for a photovoltaic (PV) system. The proposed CSO addresses the limitations of traditional MPPT algorithms to deal with the PSCs and the shortcomings of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, such as low tracking efficiency, steady-state fluctuations, and tracking time. The CSO was implemented using MATLAB/Simulink for a PV array operating under PSCs and its tracking performance was compared to that of the PSO-MPPT. Experimental validation of the CSO-MPPT was performed on a boost DC/DC converter using a real-time Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) simulator (OPAL-RT OP4510) and dSPACE 1104. The results show that CSO is capable of tracking GMP within 0.99-1.32 s under various shading patterns. Both the simulation and experimental findings revealed that the CSO outperformed the PSO in terms of steady-state fluctuations and tracking time.