Cuckoo search-based maximum power point tracking controller for PV water pumping system

In this paper, a novel-based tracking controller is developed to ensure maximum power point operation for photovoltaic (PV) water pumping systems (PVWPS). PVWPS consists of a PV array followed by a controlled DC cuk converter which feeds a permanent magnet DC motor coupled with a centrifugal pump. The proposed controller is adaptive-logic based that search, detect and track by using Cuckoo Search (CS) technique. This controller may be specified by three control algorithms, each one has its own constraints for Maximum Power Point tracking achievement. The first two CS control algorithms are based on the sensed old chopping ratio, insolation and temperature as inputs in addition to the PV and motor-pump performance parameters. These controllers are implemented to predict the operating and maximum point voltage and power. The third CS control algorithm is constrained by the outputs of the first two CS control algorithms and motor-pump performance parameters. The third CS controllers are implemented also to predict the optimum DC-DC converter duty ratio based on solar insolation, ambient temperature and motor-pump constants. Each algorithm is provided by its own proposed control function. The new approach has proven accuracy, robustness and effectiveness of efficient energy utilization for standalone PVWPS one as it is the most accurate, fastest and easiest. Published by AIP Publishing.