Advanced optimizer for maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic systems in smart grid: A roadmap towards clean energy technologies

With the increased load demand and generation cost of electricity, renewable energy sources (RES) provide cost effective and environment-friendly solution. Integration of solar energy includes the challenges of finding the Maximum Power Point (MPP) to achieve the maximum power from the solar. Combining RESs with distributed generation (DG) comes with the challenges of voltage regulation and frequency mismatch. In this work, a novel approach of Robust Antlion Optimizer (ALO) algorithm is implemented for MPP tracking in solar photovoltaic (PV) system and charge controllers are designed for storage system while the DC to AC converters have been designed to match RESs’ frequency with that of DG. Power scheduling is done to decrease operational cost while keeping the voltage and frequency in the allowable range. Research findings provide useful policy implications for all stakeholders to meet energy needs in a consistent and coherent manner.