A genetic algorithm optimized MPPT controller for a PV system with DC-DC boost converter

Because of the non-linearity of the P-V characteristic of the Photovoltaic (PV) panel, a power electronic interface is mandatory to reach the desired fixed voltage level. This paper deals with the design of a PID controller in order to control a DC-DC boost converter in the PV system. For the design of the whole system, the used approach is based on the Energetic Macroscopic Representation (EMR). This technique goes from a complex command to a simpler one and is characterized by the use of cascading of one or more controllers. The three parameters of the controller are tuned by using Genetic Algorithm (GA). Both of the system responses using PID MPPT controller tuned by genetic algorithm and PID controller tuned by Pole Placement (PP) are tested when fast changing the solar irradiation is experienced. Finally, in order to obtain the best system performance, Perturb and Observe (P&O) MPPT method is applied to generate the output voltage reference Vref. The simulation results are compared in terms of mean squared error (MSE) criterion, percentage overshoot and rising time. The results show that parameters tuned by GA PID controller gives better performance.