Parameters estimation of single- and multiple-diode photovoltaic model using whale optimisation algorithm

The high level of penetration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into electric power grids increases rapidly due to many merits of such promising technology. In the simulation investigation of PV systems, an accurate PV model is vital, where it plays an important role through the dynamic analysis of these systems. The mathematical model of the PV module is a nonlinear I-V characteristic including many unknown parameters as data provided by the PV manufacturers' are inadequate. This paper introduces a novel application of the whale optimisation algorithm (WOA) for estimating the parameters of the single, double, and three diode PV models of a PV module. The WOA-based PV models are validated by the simulation results, which are carried out under various environmental conditions using MATLAB program. The effectiveness of the WOA-based PV models is checked by comparing their results with that obtained using other optimisation methods. To obtain a realistic study, these simulation outcomes are compared with the experimental outcomes of a Kyocera KC200GT PV module. The WOA-based PV model is efficiently evaluated by comparing the absolute current error of this model with that obtained using other PV models. Using this meta-heuristic algorithm application, an accurate PV model can be obtained.