Microcontroller based maximum power tracking of PV using stimulated annealing algorithm

In this paper, a completely new algorithm based on Stimulated Annealing technique for MPPT is proposed to optimize standalone PV panel operating point even under rapidly and significantly changing weather pattern. The proposed algorithm is as simple as traditional P&O and Hill-climbing algorithm, yet it can successfully encounter the oscillation problem and steady state error problem even under worst case scenario with efficiency more than 99.99%. The algorithm eliminates hardware complexity and can be implemented using programmable microcontrollers. This paper presents performance comparison of stimulated annealing algorithm with three of the most popular artificially intelligent algorithms such as fuzzy logic algorithm, particle swarm optimization algorithm and Genetic algorithm. Step by step procedure for practical implementation of the proposed algorithm is included at the later part of this paper.