One of the important tasks for increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) system is the development and improvement of the maximum power point tracking algorithms (MPPT). These MPPT algorithms lead to the ability to catch efficiently the global maximum power point of the partially shaded PV array. One of these trackers is the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm which is one of the Soft computing techniques. The conventional PSO based trackers have many advantages such as the simplicity of hardware implementation and independence from the installed system. The actual problem of the practical application of PSO is the determination of its parameters to ensure high effectiveness of extracting the global MPP. Analysis of scientific papers devoted to the PSO algorithm has shown that there is currently no methodology for the optimal parameters' selection of PSO algorithm based maximum power trackers for the PV system. This paper aims to create a convenient and reasonable method for choosing the optimal parameters of the PSO algorithm, taking into account the topology and parameters of the DC-DC converter and the configuration of solar panels. A new method for selecting the parameters of a buck converter connected to a battery has been presented. The optimal value of the sampling time for the digital MPP controllers, providing their maximum performance; has been determined based on a new methodology. Matlab/Simulink software package is used as the main research tool. The prominent outcomes identify that the modified PSO and its designed parameters best meet the requirements of the MPPT controller for the PV system.

The urgent task of modern energy is to ensure reliable and efficient power supply to consumers, even those located in remote, far end places. A hybrid energy system with renewable energy sources is a promising way to ensure such a process. A characteristic feature of the modes of such systems, especially with high penetration levels of renewable energy sources, is the presence of ripples in the charge–discharge currents of the batteries used as energy storage devices. Batteries operation with such current fluctuations leads to rapid degradation of its characteristics as well as a reduction in its lifetime. Furthermore, it leads to a decrease in the reliability of the power supply system and an increase in the cost of generated electricity. A significant drawback of hybrid systems built according to well-known standard schemes is the inefficient use of the primary renewable energy, which is especially critical for energy systems located geographically in areas with severe climatic conditions. This article proposes a new construction method and an algorithm for controlling the modes of hybrid energy systems based on a dual-circuit energy storage device, which increases their reliability and energy efficiency. The prominent outcomes of operating modes of a hybrid power plant with a high penetration of renewable sources are presented, which proves that the proposed method of construction and the proposed control algorithm provide reliable and efficient control of the power balance of the hybrid power system in all possible operating conditions. In addition, the overall efficiency of the proposed renewable energy system is increased from 28% to 60% compared to standard hybrid power plants.

In the course of the power sector development a great attention is paid to the sources of small (distributed) generation. Distributed energetics allows flexible control of the system itself and energy losses reduction during transmission to consumers. Herewith, the most promising direction in the framework of energy conservation is usage of renewable sources. Exposition of the possibility of renewable sources use in the distributed generation system is an actual problem. The selection conditions of a wind farm in the distributed generation system are considered in the article.