Study, Modeling, and Experimental Implementation of a Reactive Power Compensation System Connected to a Photovoltaic Generator

Abstract

This thesis proposes and experimentally investigates advanced optimization and control strategies to boost the overall performance of GCPV-SAPF systems. Different metaheuristic and hybrid-based optimization approaches, among which the ZOA, GWEO, and hybrid GWO-PSO, were independently applied to maximize power extraction through MPPT. Their experimental performance was systematically compared with widely recognized metaheuristic algorithms, including GWO, PSO, WOA, and FPA, considering convergence speed, energy yield, and robustness under different levels of solar irradiance and PSCs. In parallel, a P-DPC with FOPI-AW tuning, as determined by ZOA, was implemented for the SAPF, effectively mitigating grid current harmonics and enhancing reactive power compensation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed optimization algorithms achieve superior MPPT performance, while the ZOA-tuned FOPI-AW controller ensures enhanced power quality and system stability. The results demonstrate that the proposed methods are practically applicable, reliable, and robust, offering practical solutions for increasing energy efficiency and maintaining high power quality in real grid-connected photovoltaic systems.