Conventional and artificial intelligence based maximum power point tracking techniques for efficient solar power generation

Abstract

The increasing global need for renewable energy sources, driven by environmental concerns and the limited availability of traditional energy, highlights the significance of solar energy. However, weather fluctuations challenge the efficiency of solar systems, making maximum power point tracking (MPPT) systems crucial for optimal energy harvesting. This study compares ten MPPT approaches, including both conventional and artificial intelligence (AI)-based techniques. These controllers were designed and implemented using MATLAB Simulink, and their performance was evaluated under real environmental conditions with fluctuating irradiance and temperature. The results demonstrate that conventional techniques, such as incremental conductance (INC), Perturb and Observe (P&O), Incremental conductance and Particle Swam Optimization (INC-PSO), Fuzzy Logic Control and Particle Swam Optimization (FLC-PSO), and Perturb and Observe and Particle Swam Optimization (P&O-PSO), achieved accuracies of 94%, 97.6%, 98.9%, 98.7%, and 99.3% respectively. In contrast, AI-based intelligent techniques, including Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Artificial Neural Fuzzy Interference System (ANFIS), Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), Particle Swam Optimization (PSO), and Artificial Neural Network and Particle Swam Optimization (ANN-PSO), outperform achieving higher accuracies of 97.8%, 99.9%, 98.9%, 99.2%, and 99%, respectively. Compared to available research, which often reports lower accuracies for conventional techniques, our study highlights the enhanced performance of AI-based methods. This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis, delivering critical analysis and practical guidance for engineers and researchers in selecting the most effective MPPT controller optimized to specific environmental conditions. By improving the efficiency and reliability of solar power systems, our research supports the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.