Efficient parameter extraction of photovoltaic models with a novel enhanced prairie dog optimization algorithm

The growing demand for solar energy conversion underscores the need for precise parameter extraction methods in photovoltaic (PV) plants. This study focuses on enhancing accuracy in PV system parameter extraction, essential for optimizing PV models under diverse environmental conditions. Utilizing primary PV models (single diode, double diode, and three diode) and PV module models, the research emphasizes the importance of accurate parameter identification. In response to the limitations of existing metaheuristic algorithms, the study introduces the enhanced prairie dog optimizer (En-PDO). This novel algorithm integrates the strengths of the prairie dog optimizer (PDO) with random learning and logarithmic spiral search mechanisms. Evaluation against the PDO, and a comprehensive comparison with eighteen recent algorithms, spanning diverse optimization techniques, highlight En-PDO's exceptional performance across different solar cell models and CEC2020 functions. Application of En-PDO to single diode, double diode, three diode, and PV module models, using experimental datasets (R.T.C. France silicon and Photowatt-PWP201 solar cells) and CEC2020 test functions, demonstrates its consistent superiority. En-PDO achieves competitive or superior root mean square error values, showcasing its efficacy in accurately modeling the behavior of diverse solar cells and performing optimally on CEC2020 test functions. These findings position En-PDO as a robust and reliable approach for precise parameter estimation in solar cell models, emphasizing its potential and advancements compared to existing algorithms.