This study proposes a duty cycle-based direct search method that capitalizes on a bioinspired optimization algorithm known as the salp swarm algorithm (SSA). The goal is to improve the tracking capability of the maximum power point (MPP) controller for optimum power extraction from a photovoltaic system under dynamic environmental conditions. The performance of the proposed SSA is tested under a transition between uniform irradiances and a transition between partial shading (PS) conditions with a focus on convergence speed, fast and accurate tracking, reduce high initial exploration oscillation, and low steady-state oscillation at MPP. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed SSA algorithm in terms of tracking performance. The performance of the SSA method is better than the conventional (hill-climbing) and among other popular metaheuristic methods. Further validation of the SSA performance is conducted via experimental studies involving a DC-DC buck-boost converter driven by TMS320F28335 DSP on the Texas Instruments Experimenter Kit platform. Hardware results show that the proposed SSA method aligns with the simulation in terms of fast-tracking, convergence speed, and satisfactory accuracy under PS and dynamic conditions. The proposed SSA method tracks maximum power with high efficiency through its superficial structures and concepts, as well as its easy implementation. Moreover, the SSA maintains a steady-state oscillation at a minimum level to improve the overall energy yield. It thus compensates for the shortcomings of other existing methods.

This studyaimed at improving the performance and efficiency of conventional static photovoltaic (PV) systems by introducing a metaheuristic algorithm-based approach that involves reconfiguring electrical wiring using switches under different shading profiles. Themetaheuristicalgorithmused wasthe firefly algorithm (FA), which controls the switching patterns under non-homogenous shading profiles and tracks the highest global peak of power produced by the numerous switching patterns. This study aimed to solve the current problems faced by static PV systems, such as unequal dispersion of shading affecting solar panels, multiple peaks, and hot spot phenomena, which can contribute to significant power loss and efficiency reduction. The experimental setup focusedon software development and the system or model developed in the MATLAB Simulink platform. Athorough and comprehensive analysis was done by comparing the proposed method’s overall performance and power generation with thenovel static PVseries–parallel (SP) topology and totalcross-tied (TCT) scheme. The SP configuration is widely used in the PV industry. However, the TCT configuration has superior performance and energy yield generation compared to other static PV configurations, such as the bridge-linked (BL) and honey comb (HC) configurations. The results presented in this paper provide valuable information about the proposed method’s features with regard toenhancing the overall performance and efficiency of PV arrays.

This paper presents an application of Firefly Algorithm (FA) in determining the optimal location and size of Distributed Generation (DG) in distribution power networks. FA is a meta-heuristic algorithm which is inspired by the flashing behavior of fireflies. The primary purpose of firefly's flash is to act as a signal system to attract other fireflies. In this paper, IEEE 69-bus distribution test system is used to show the effectiveness of the FA. Comparison with other method is also given.

This paper presents the design and development of an impulse current generator that can produce impulse current waveform of 8/20 μs. The testing of lightning protection device such as surge arrester is very important to determine this device can be operates in normal condition. Hence, the impulse current generator is developed to carry out the testing because it is clearly not possible to use the actual lightning for the purpose of testing. The first part of this work deals with the calculation of circuit components value followed by the computer simulation to obtain the accurate results. A small scale experimental was set up based on natural characteristics of lightning to study the performance and capability of the designed impulse current generator. This generator is suitable for testing arresters blocks with voltage and current ratings at up 100 kV and 4 kA respectively.