A Novel Combination Algorithm of Different Methods of Maximum Power Point Tracking for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract This paper proposes a novel algorithm to combine two or more techniques of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to increase the output dc power and the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Different MPPT methods have dissimilar responses for the same environmental circumstances. The combination of multiple methods has the advantage of ever acquiring maximum power as the environmental conditions change. The proposed algorithm is used to enhance the selection of the most suitable duty cycle of the combined methods, based on the power-voltage characteristics, to get the best tracking response. Multiple classical and/or artificial intelligence (AI)-based MPPT methods can be combined based on this selection algorithm. To demonstrate its effectiveness, two examples are illustrated. The first one is the combination of two classical MPPT methods, which are the incremental conductance (INC) and the perturb-and-observe (P&O). The second example is to combine two AI-based MPPT, which are the artificial neural network (ANN) and the fuzzy logic control (FLC). The simulation results of the application of the proposed algorithm to a grid-connected PV system model justify its capability to acquire better static and dynamic responses than the responses of individual MPPT methods.