PV cell and module efficient parameters estimation using Evaporation Rate based Water Cycle Algorithm

In order to carry out precise performance investigations and control studies on photovoltaic (PV) systems, an accurate model is always desired. In this work, a new and powerful metaheuristic optimization technique known as Evaporation Rate based Water Cycle Algorithm (ER-WCA) has been explored for effective parameters estimation of PV cell/module. Single and double diode based models of PV cell and single diode based model of PV module have been successfully identified from their respective single I-V non-linear characteristics and the modeling performance of ER-WCA, assessed in terms of root mean square error, mean absolute error and mean relative error, between computed and experimental data, is found to be superior to the several recent prominent published works particularly the modeling of a single diode based PV module. Furthermore, the PV module modeling capability of ER-WCA under varying temperature and irradiation conditions is also analysed and it is found to be effective, proving its practical applications. Based on the presented detailed investigation, it is concluded that ER-WCA is a promising optimization technique for PV cell/module identification.