Voltage Control of PEM Fuel Cell in a DC Microgrid Using Optimal Artificial Rabbits Algorithm-Based Fractional Order PID Controller

This article utilizes a Fractional Order Proportional-Integral-Derivative (FOPID) controller for voltage regulation of a Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in DC Microgrids. The PEMFC is considered a promising candidate for integration into DC Microgrids. However, maintaining a stable and efficient operation requires precise voltage control, especially under varying load conditions and inherent nonlinearities. The FOPID controller tuned by artificial rabbits optimization algorithm (FOPID-ARO) is recommended to address this challenge, which extends the conventional PID controller by introducing two additional parameters: the fractional orders of the derivative and integral actions. This enhancement allows for a more flexible control strategy that is capable of handling the complex dynamics of PEMFCs more effectively than traditional PID controllers. The suggested controller effectiveness is assessed under different operational scenarios, such as load and solar irradiance variations, and compared with a PID controller tuned by the ARO algorithm (PID-ARO) and an FOPID controller tuned by the jellyfish search algorithm and grey wolf optimizer. Moreover, actual data on solar irradiance are considered. The findings indicate that the FOPID-ARO controller performs better than the PID-ARO controller in terms of dynamic response and minimizes steady-state error more effectively.