Fast and Global Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Array Based on Potential Zones Firefly algorithm

Under partial shading conditions (PSC), conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods of photovoltaic array (PV) cannot be used to extract the global maximum power point (GMPP). Under uniform conditions (UIC), intelligent MPPT methods are time-consuming for tracking the MPP. This paper describes a potential zones firefly algorithm (PZFA) that can rapidly and accurately extract the GMPP under partial shading conditions and uniform conditions. The algorithm introduces the conceptions of potential and non potential zones；and devises zones maximum power estimation mechanism. Based on the zones maximum power estimation mechanism, the iterative mechanism of PZFA is designed, which can avoid the algorithm searching in non potential zones, quickly narrow the search zones of the algorithm, and ensure that the algorithm converges to GMPP quickly. Finally, simulation results indicate that the promoted PZFA can immediately and accurately track the GMPP under under partial shading conditions and uniform conditions, and the array output efficiency can be improved.