Bio-Inspired Technique Based on Hybrid SSA-SMA Method to Enhance the Output Power by Reconfiguration of PV Array

The rapid progress towards sustainable energy systems has highlighted the vulnerability of photovoltaic (PV) systems to energy loss and hotspots due to partial shading. This widespread problem significantly reduces energy production. This paper introduces a new method that utilizes a hybrid optimization technique based on the Salp Swarm - Slime Mold (SSA-SMA) algorithm to optimize power distribution reconfiguration in PV arrays. The proposed technique showcases flexibility in reconfiguration methods, as simulated by MATLAB/Simulink on a 9 × 9 PV array with various shading conditions. SSA-SMA was compared with other strategies, including Total Cross Tied (TCT), competence square (CS), Ant Lion Optimization (ALO), Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA), and Harris Hawks Optimizer (HHO), under two different shading cases. A set of statistical metrics, such as mismatch power loss (ML%), fill factor (FF%), and efficiency (η%), was used to evaluate the proposed method. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the SSA-SMA method in enhancing the power output of the PV array and minimizing the differences between the row currents, confirming the superior ability of the SSA-SMA in resolving shadow-induced disturbances in PV installations and facilitating more efficient energy extraction.