Evaluation of Incremental Conductance and Firefly
Algorithm for PV MPPT Application under Partial
Shade condition
Tefera T. Yetayew T. R. Jyothsna
Department of Electrical Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering
AU, College of Engineering (A), AU, College of Engineering (A),
Visakhapatnam-530003, India Visakhapatnam-530003, India
tefera06@yahoo.com jk_thurumalla@yahoo.com
AbstractSeveral maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
algorithms for photovoltaic applications have been proposed in
literatures. Among them, classical techniques like perturb and
observe (P&O), incremental conductance (InCond) and constant
voltage are widely used because of simple implementation and
less complexity. However, they have drawbacks of failure to
track right perturbation direction during rapid change in
climatic conditions, steady-sate oscillation and failure to track
global maximum power point (GMPP) among multiple local and
global peaks when ever the PV system is operating under partial
shade condition. In this paper performance evaluations of MPPT
techniques using Firefly algorithm (FFA) and InCond technique
for PV system under partial shad condition has been done. The
results using FFA revealed accurate GMPP tracking capability,
fast dynamic response for rapid change in shade pattern, small
amplitude of oscillation and steady state error than InCond
technique.
KeywordsPartial shading; Firefly algorithm; InCond MPPT
technique;, GMPP; GMPP Trajectory
I. INTRODUCTION
Rapid growth in energy demand, fast depletion of fossil
fuels, global warming and environmental concern are major
challenges motivating researchers in exploration and efficient
utilization of alternative energy sources. Among different
sources of energy, solar energy using photovoltaic energy
conversion system is a competitive source of electricity
growing at rapid rate mainly because of no fuel cost, low
maintenance requirement, abundant availability of solar
energy and pollution free. However, the non-linear
characteristic nature, strong dependence on climatic
conditions, and the need for high initial investment need
optimal extraction and utilization of available power. In real
time application, PV system comprises of several
series/parallel connection of PV modules to achieve the
required magnitude of current/voltage and due to non-uniform
shading multiple local and global maxima may exist on the P-
V characteristic curve that needs an MPPT algorithm to track
the global maxima and operate the PV system at/near the
global peak point [1] - [5]. To date several MPPT algorithms
have been implemented, among them perturb and observe
(P&O), Incremental conductance (InCond), hill-climbing
(HC), and short/open circuit current/voltage methods are
widely in use because simplicity in implementation and less
complexity. However, failure to track the global maximum
978-1-5090-0128-6/16/$31.00 2016 IEEE
G. Kusuma
Department of Electrical Engineering
AU, College of Engineering (A),
Visakhapatnam-530003, India
gottapukusuma@ymail.com
power point (GMPP) whenever the PV system is working
under partial shading condition, failure to track the right
direction of perturbation for rapid change in climatic
conditions and steady-state oscillations are some of drawbacks
of these widely used (classical) methods [4]-[6]. To solve
these shortcomings, artificial intelligence (AI) approaches
like: fuzzy logic control (FLC) and neural network (NN) based
techniques has been developed. The non-linear nature of P-V
characteristic made these techniques effective, however, the
need for extensive computation, rule setting and knowledge
base for FLC based and requirement of large amount of data
for training in the case NN based system are some of
drawbacks of AI based algorithms application to MPPT in PV
systems [7][8].
Recent advance in swarm algorithms like ant colony
algorithm inspired by ants movement in search of food,
particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm inspired by birds
flocking, artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm inspired by
foraging behavior of bee colony that the collective outcome is
to maximize nectar amount in their hive, firefly algorithm
(FFA) that mimics social behavior of flashing fireflies in
tropical and temperate zones of summer sky that communicate
and search for pray and mates using flashing patter are applied
to solve complex engineering problems [7][9]-[11]. Review of
MPPT techniques implemented so far using swarm algorithms
usually used duty cycle of the DC-DC converter as design
variable and more accurate than classical techniques.
In this paper performance evaluation MPPT algorithms
using firefly algorithm (FFA) and InCond based algorithms
are implemented for PV system operating under partial shade
condition. Simulation and results analysis has been done for
different pre-set shade pattern to evaluate the performance of
MPPTs using the measuring criteria: dynamic response,
steady-state error, magnitude of oscillation during steady-state
operation and MPP trajectory tracking capability.
II. PV CHARACTERISTIC
Photovoltaic cells are usually represented using a current
source in parallel with a diode. Addition of shunt and series
resistor is to improve accuracy of simulation. To increase the
output power and voltage, series connection of PV cells form
PV modules. Among equivalent diagram representations
single diode five parameter (Rp-) model is widely in use being
a compromise in simplicity and accuracy. Fig.1 shows the
equivalent single diode model and characteristic curves of a
PV module [12] [13]. The current and voltage relations can be
expressed using equation (1).
V pv + I pv R S V pv + I pv R S
I = I ph I 0 exp 1
(1)
vT RP
where, Iph is photocurrent, IO is diode saturation current,
Rs, series resistance, Rp is shunt resistance, vT is modified
diode ideality factor [{vT = Ns akT }/q], q - electron charge, k -
Boltzmann constant, a - diode ideality constant, Ns number
of series connected cells, T-operating temperature) and Vpv is
PV module voltage.
Practical PV power system comprises of series/parallel
arrangement of PV modules to achieve the required magnitude
of current/voltage that forms PV-array. The series/parallel
arrangement needs bypass and blocking diodes where the
bypass diode is connected in parallel to a PV module to
prevent PV modules when hotspot conditions happen due to
non-uniform illumination of PV modules in the series
connection (string) and the blocking diode is connected in
series with each string to prevent reverse flow of current to the
string whenever imbalance occurs [7]. Fig.2 shows schematics
of series parallel arrangement of PV modules and
(a) Equivalent circuit diagram
Fig.1 PV Module equivalent diagram and characteristic curves
(a) PV-Modules configuration
Fig. 2 PV system schematic diagram and characteristic curves
characteristic curves with local and global peaks due to partial
shading.
III. MPPT USING FIREFLY ALGORITHM (FFA)
Firefly algorithm is one of nature inspired algorithms
developed by Yang in 2008. It is a kind of stochastic swarm
intelligence based algorithm inspired by the flashing fireflies
to attract mating partners and potential prey that is common in
the summer sky of tropical temperate zones. The basic idea of
formulation of the algorithm is the attractiveness of fireflies
that the less bright one will be attracted to the brighter one. It
is known that intensity of light (I) at a distance r from source
of light is inversely proportional to the square of distance (I
1/r2). In addition to the distance from the light source, light
absorption by air also affects the intensity at a particular
distance. Due to these limiting factors, fireflies are visible
within limited range, usually within several hundreds of
meters that they can communicate. The firefly algorithm
development considered the following assumptions [14] -
[17]: (1) all fireflies are unisex so that one firefly will be
attracted to other fireflies regardless of their sex; (2)
attractiveness is proportional to their brightness. The less
bright firefly will move to wards the brighter one. If there is
no brighter one than a particular firefly, it will move
randomly. (3) The brightness of a firefly is determined by the
landscape of the objective function.
(b) I-V, P-V Characteristic curves
(b) I-V characteristic curves for each string
 Consider two fireflies i and j positioned at xi and xj The objective function is PV power (Ppv) and can be
respectively. The distance between them in d dimension can represented using eq. (7)
be given as Euclidean distance in equation (2), where xi,k is the
kth component of the spatial coordinate xi of the ith firefly. t t 1
Ppv (V pv i ) > Ppv (V pv i ) (7)
d
rij = xi x j = (x
k =1
i ,k x j ,k ) 2 (2) The basic procedures of the algorithm can be summarized
as: set control parameters of: 0, , population size (N),
stopping condition, position fireflies within the search space
(within the minimum and maximum possible PV voltage
The attractiveness is a function of distance between ranges), operate the DC-DC converter with the corresponding
fireflies represented using equation (3). firefly positions as reference voltage followed by PV voltage
and current measurements to calculate PV power (the
2
(rij ) = 0 e r ij
(3) brightness) followed by position update of fireflies. The firefly
with less brightness will move to the brighter one and the
firefly with maximum brightness will remain in its position. If
The function in equation (3) can be replaced by equation all fireflies have same brightness, each one will move
(4), where the constant is the absorption coefficient that randomly. The execution of the algorithm will be terminated if
controls the light intensity. stopping criterion is achieved and the optimum firefly position
that corresponds to maximum power point will be set as
0 reference voltage. The algorithm can be re-initialized if the
(rij ) = (4)
1 + r 2 ij inequality in equation (14) is satisfied [15] [16]. Fig. 3 shows
the flow chart of firefly based MPPT algorithm.
To guarantee quick convergence of the algorithm to
optimal solution, the initial attractiveness (0) is usually
considered as 1. For 0, = 0, the light intensity may not | Ppv,new Ppv,last |
P(%) (8)
decrease for increase in distance (r) between two fireflies that Ppv,last
may result in a single local or global maxima may be easily
reached because the light intensity can be seen anywhere. For
, (r) (r), for this condition, the attractiveness to
intensity of light may be zero that may result in that fireflies
cannot see each other and move randomly within the search
space. Thus, the value of usually varies between 0.1 and 10
[14] [16]. Let firefly i is less bright than firefly j, the position
update for a firefly can be expressed as (5).
2 1
xi = xi + 0 e r ij ( x j xi ) + (rand ) (5)
2
The second term indicates the attraction and the third is
randomization with the constant between 0 and 1. Large
value of explores entire search space and smaller value may
fail to explore the entire search range. Firefly algorithm starts
by population initialization with each firefly different from the
other in brightness by which their movement is determined.
During execution of the algorithm, each fireflys brightness
will be compared to others in the population and based on the
difference the movement will be determined. During the
process the best solution achieved is continuously updated and
keeps on the process of execution until the set stopping
criterion is achieved followed by determination of the best
solution. Application of firefly algorithm for MPPT
application considers, the solution (population) of fireflies is
PV voltage randomly generated with in maximum and
minimum range (Vmin, and Vmax). Fig.3 Flow chart for MPPT using Firefly algorithm

IV. MPPT USING INCOND ALGORITHM

xi = V pvi = [V pv1 , V pv 2 , V pv 3 , . . . , V pvi ]
(6) This method is based on the idea that slope of P-V curve
i = 1,2,3,... , Np is zero at MPP; positive left side of MPP and negative right
side of MPP. Equation (6) shows the basic principle of InCond
technique [3] [12].
 dP d ( IV ) IdV VdI I TABLE I. SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BOOST CONVERTER
dV = dV = dV + dV I + V V Parameter Value

Input voltage (Vin) Vin = 105V
I = I at MPP
(9)
V Output voltage (Vout) Vout = 320V
V Switching frequency (fs) fs = 25kHz

I > I left of MPP Output voltage ripple (VO/VO) 1%
V V Load (RL) RL = 128
I I Inductance (L) L = 230H
< right of MPP Input Capacitance (C1) C1 =300F
V V Output capacitance (C2) C2 =30F

At each sampling instant, comparison of incremental and
instantaneous conductance will be done and based on the
result of comparison, direction of next perturbation will be
decided. The flow chart in Fig. 4 shows the principles and
procedures of the algorithm.
V. IMPLEMENTATION
The complete PV system for implementation comprises of
PV system model, DC-DC boost converter, MPPT controller,
voltage controller, gate driver with PWM generating unit.
Direct control of voltage based MPPT is considered. The
complete set up showing basic blocks implemented is given in
Fig.5.
The design specifications and component values selected
for the corresponding application are given in Table I.
Fig.4 Flow chart for MPPT InCond technique
Fig.5 Schematic diagram of PV system for implementation
The specifications from data sheet the PV module
(KC200GT) are given in Table II.
TABLE II. SPECIFICATIONS FOR PV MODULE KC200GT
Electrical Performance under Standard Test Conditions (*STC)
Parameter Value
Maximum Power (W) Pmax= 200W (+10%/-5%)
Voltage at MPP (V) Vmpp = 26.3V
Current at MPP (A) Imp = 7.61A
Open Circuit Voltage (V) Voc = 32.9V
Short Circuit Current (A) Isc = 8.21A
Temp. Coefficient Isc, Isc +3.18 mA/C
Temp. Coefficient Open Circuit, Voc 123 mV/C
Number of cells in series (Ns) 54
*STC : Irradiance 1000W/m2, AM1.5, module temperature 25
VI. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Performance evaluation has been done using MATLAB
simulation. The PV system comprises of four KC200GT
multi-crystalline PV modules connected in series. Pre-set
shade patterns given in Fig. 6 can give different P-V
characteristic curves with multiple local and a global peak. For
performance comparison purpose Incremental conductance
(InCond) MPPT technique also implemented along with
firefly based MPPT technique. The performance of an MPPT
algorithm can be evaluated using different measuring criterion
like: tracking speed, accuracy, tracking true MPP, dynamic
and steady state responses. In this paper, evaluation has been
done using: (i) Tracking GMPP, (ii) Dynamic response and
(iii) steady-state error and amplitude of oscillation as
measurement criterion. Accordingly, sub-sections below
presented results and discussions of the corresponding
techniques.
i) MPP Trajectory: The P-V characteristic curve plots
using FFA and InCond along with theoretical results are given
in Fig.7. Circled/rectangular dots are maximum power points
of theoretical and using the corresponding algorithms. For
uniform shade, classical method (InCond) can also perform
same as FFA that the MPPs seem matched and accurate except
small relative accuracy errors. The MPPs on the P-V
characteristic curves and deviations from theoretical
maximum values revealed significant differences when using
InCond than FFA under partial shading operations. The results
using FFA seem exactly matched with theoretical maximum
values but there is small relative accuracy differences as
shown in Fig. 7 (c). For shade patterns (SP-1 to - SP-4),
large magnitude of deviations are recorded when using
InCond technique and this is because failure to track the
global peak. Generally, the deviation records revealed
capability of FFA to track the GMPP accurately than classical
methods.
 Fig.6 PV-String schematic diagram with radiation levels

(a) PV Trajectory tracking for uniform radiation (G = 1000 W/m2)

(b) P-V Trajectory tracking for partial shading conditions

(c) MPP deviations from theoretical Maximum power

Fig. 7 Results for uniform and partial shade conditions

ii) Extracted PV power: To see the steady state
performance, simulations has been performed for a period of
0.1 second with step changes of shade patterns (from SP4-to-
SP1) as input for the PV system. Accordingly, Fig.8 shows
extracted PV power with solid lines and broken lines for
expected power. The extracted power using FFA seem closely
matched with theoretical value but deviations are clearly seen
when using InCond technique for the input shade patterns.
During step shade pattern change (from SP-4 to SP-1) at t =
0.05 second, there is search range to locate the global best
(GMPP). Accordingly, using FFA technique shows small
search range than the time to reach maximum power point
using InCond. The steady-state error and amplitude of
oscillation for the corresponding techniques is given in Fig. 9
for the shade pattern four (SP-4). Big amplitude of error and
oscillation is recorded using InCond technique.
 (a) using FFA
Fig.8 Extracted PV power for step-change in shade pattern (SP-4 to SP-1)
Fig.9 Steady-state error and amplitude of oscillation at SP-4
VII. CONCLUSIONS
Review of MPPT tracking algorithms using FFA and
InCond for PV system operating under partial shading
condition have been done and for performance evaluation the
corresponding techniques has been implemented in MTALAB.
Simulation tasks to evaluate performances in MPP trajectory
tracking capability, dynamic and steady-state responses have
been done. Results revealed accurate global peak power
tracking capability, reduced steady-state error and amplitude
of oscillation of FFA over classical methods (InCond).
However, FFA technique has drawbacks of increased number
of control parameters, execution time, and complexity in
implementation. In summary, FFA based MPPT technique can
track maximum power point for a PV system operating under
partial shading conditions accurately than classical techniques.
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