Maximum power point tracking of a partially shaded solar photovoltaic system using a modified firefly algorithm-based controller

Solar photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the most promising power systems based on renewable energy sources, with several advantages compared to others. However, solar PV systems have a challenge of low conversion efficiency because most of the irradiances of the sun, which are channelled to the PV panels, are not fully utilized for power consumption. A more challenging situation of the system occurs when some of its panels are obstructed from full reception of the solar irradiance, a case referred to as partial shading conditions (PSC) in solar PV systems. This leads to the generation of multiple, unequal power peaks in the system, from which the one with the highest power must be tracked for optimum utilization of the system. To this regard, this work presents a modified firefly algorithm-based controller, tied operationally with a DC–DC boost converter. A model was developed and simulated on MATLAB, for tracking the maximum power point of the system, both at constant solar irradiance and at PSC.