New MPPT Control for PV Systems Using the Equilibrium Optimizer Algorithm

Abstract

This paper proposes an efficient maximum power point tracking (MPPT) strategy based on the Equilibrium Optimizer (EO) algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) systems operating under both uniform and partial shading conditions. The PV generator is interfaced through a DC–DC Boost converter, whose voltage is regulated using a cascade PI–sliding mode controller to ensure fast and accurate tracking of the reference voltage. The EO algorithm is employed to identify the optimal operating voltage corresponding to the global maximum power point (GMPP) across different shading patterns. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed EO-based MPPT scheme achieves rapid convergence, outperforming conventional methods particularly in complex multi peaks scenarios. Under partial shading, the algorithm successfully avoids local maxima and converges to the GMPP within 0.25 s, while maintaining stable voltage and power responses. The cascade control structure further enhances dynamic performance, as confirmed by time-domain indicators such as the integral absolute error (IAE). The combined use of an advanced Metaheuristic optimizer with a robust voltage controller significantly improves energy harvesting efficiency, making the proposed approach a promising solution for PV systems subject to irradiance variations.