Genetic algorithms for maximum power point tracking in photovoltaic systems

This paper presents a novel genetic algorithm to carry out the maximum power point tracking based on the photovoltaic cell model. For that it is necessary to measure the open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current (Isc), then the proposed algorithm gives directly and rapidly the optimal voltage (Vop) so the converter duty cycle can be adjusted. The simulation results are obtained by changing Isc and Voc values. The proposed technique permits to verify the linearity between Vop and Voc and between optimal current (Iop) and Isc. We also give a comparison with the conventional Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Incremental Conductance (IncCond) algorithms.