Intelligent voltage controller based on firefly algorithm for DC-DC boost converter

Abstract

DC-DC boost converter is one of the important tools of photovoltaic (PV) power plant. DC-DC boost converter can be used to adjust the voltage output of photovoltaic before going to the inverter. In addition, DC-DC boost converter can be used as additional devices to make the PV plant operated in maximum power point condition. To get the optimal voltage adjusment, an appropriate controller is essential. Generally, PI controller is commonly used to control the switching procedure of the boost converter. However, with uncertainty of the source (uncertainty of the PV output), PI controller is out off dated. Hence designing PI controller based on the metaheuristic algorithm such as firefly algorithm is essential. This paper is proposed an intelligent voltage controller for DC-DC boost converter based on firefly algorithm (FA). From the simulation results it is noticeable that the PI based on FA could provide better control signal (indicated by the fastest settling time of the boost converter).