A Multi-Producer Group-Search-Optimization Method-Based Maximum-Power-Point-Tracking for Uniform and Partial Shading Condition

The power-voltage (P-U) curve of PV array shows multiple power points, which brings challenges to fast and accurately tracking of the global maximum power point. Considering the nonlinearity and the multi-peak characteristics of PV array output curve under the condition of partial shadow, a multi-producer group search optimization (MGSO) method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is proposed in this paper. In the MGSO, the characteristics and operations of three categories of members, including producers, scroungers, and rangers, are set according to the P-U characteristics. The number of producers is determined by the number of peaks. The initial position of each producer locates dispersedly to each peak region which makes the producers not fall into local optimum. The search strategy is simplified by the proposed angle transformation function of scroungers and omitting the ranger. The results of simulation and comparison demonstrate that the proposed MGSO method can effectively track the maximum power point under the uniform irradiance or partially shaded conditions, and also increase the utilization of solar energy.