Comparison of P&O, Cuckoo Search and Hybrid P&O, Cuckoo MPPT in MATLAB | P&O, Cuckoo Search

We're going to explore the implementation of a hybrid P&O and Cuckoo Search-based MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) algorithm for partially shaded PV systems in MATLAB/Simulink.

This hybrid approach combines the strengths of both Perturb & Observe (P&O) and Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithms to efficiently track the global maximum power point (GMPP) under varying irradiance conditions.

We'll walk through:

• The Simulink model structure,

• How the hybrid MPPT logic is implemented,

• A comparison between three MPPT techniques: P&O, Cuckoo Search, and the hybrid P&O + CS method,

• And simulation results to highlight tracking performance under different shading patterns.

So let’s dive into the Simulink model.

1. PV Array Description

The system includes a PV array under partial shading.We’ve modeled 4 PV panels connected in series, each rated at: 50.04 W max power, 22.5 V open-circuit voltage, 3 A short-circuit current, And 18 V / 2.78 A at max power point. Partial shading is introduced using irradiance changes at three time instants: 0s, 0.75s, and 1.5s, where irradiance for each PV cell is varied to simulate realistic shading.

2. MPPT Algorithm Overview

The system supports three MPPT modes, selectable via an input command: 0 = Hybrid (P&O + Cuckoo Search) 1 = Cuckoo Search Only 2 = P&O Only The model measures PV voltage and current and feeds it into each algorithm module.

3. Cuckoo Search (CS-MPPT) Implementation

Inside the CS block: It uses Levy flight equations to optimize the duty cycle. The duty cycle is updated every sample using irradiance data. The CS algorithm aims to avoid local maxima and find the global maximum power point (GMPP).

4. Perturb & Observe (P&O) MPPT Implementation

The P&O algorithm works by checking four conditions: Based on change in power (∆P) and voltage (∆V), It increases or decreases the duty cycle to track the maximum point. This is a classical MPPT technique and works well under uniform irradiance.

5. Hybrid MPPT Logic

The hybrid method averages the duty cycles from both P&O and Cuckoo Search algorithms: This helps to combine fast convergence (P&O) and global optimization (CS), A multiplexer is used to route the desired MPPT output based on the selected mode.

6. Boost Control using Sepic Converter

The system uses a SEPIC converter controlled by a PWM generator.The duty cycle determines the converter’s output, and a PI controller compares reference and actual PV voltage: Reference voltage is computed using the equation: Vref=Vin1−DV_{ref} = \frac{V_{in}}{1 - D}Vref​=1−DVin​​ This ensures the output stays close to the maximum power point.

7. Simulation & Results

We simulate the model for all three MPPT modes and compare: PV power tracking capability, Duty cycle variation, Response time to irradiance changes. For each pattern, we analyze how well the algorithm tracks the global peak.