An ant direction hybrid differential evolution algorithm in determining the tilt angle for photovoltaic modules

This paper presents an approach which combines the orthogonal array experiment technique and an ant direction hybrid differential evolution algorithm (ADHDEOA) in determining the tilt angle for photovoltaic (PV) modules. In this study, an orthogonal array (OA) is first conducted to obtain the initial solution. Next, an ant direction hybrid differential evolution (ADHDE) is applied to search for a near optimum solution. The purpose of this research is to maximize the output power of the module. The sun's position at any time and location was predicted by the mathematical procedure of Julian dating; then, the solar irradiation was obtained at each site under a clear sky. The searching for global optimal solution is applied to a practical experimental system. The results show that the annual optimal angle for the Taipei area is 23.18 degrees; for Taichung, 22.32 degrees; for Tainan, 21.62 degrees; for Kaosiung, 20.83 degrees; for Hengchung, 20.27 degrees; for Hualian, 22.18 degrees; and for Taitung, 20.89 degrees in seven Taiwanese areas, and the actual best annual tilt angles are close to the computer simulation results. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.