Global MPPT Controller for a Grid Tied PV System Under Partial Shading Conditions Using Salp Swarm Algorithm

This work presents a new population-based algorithm with fast convergence and high efficiency. This algorithm is the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA). SSA is used as a Global Maximum Power Point Tracking (GMPPT) for PV system that is tied to a grid under partial shading conditions. The algorithm is proposed to resolve the lack in efficiency and tracking speed, since the algorithm has less tuning parameters and fast convergence than other swarm algorithms. In addition, what makes it unique is that the best results is always stored so that it is not lost in the search space. A comparative analysis is done to validate the proposed technique with the famous Grey Wolf Optimization. The proposed algorithm is validated under different partial shading conditions. Also for more validation it is tested under a step change in irradiance. The results indicate the high tracking efficiency and robustness of the salp swarm algorithm GMPPT over other modern techniques along with the fast convergence time.