Designing a new optimal controller for a PEMFC by an improved design of the Coot Optimizer

This research introduces a novel optimal control strategy for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) utilizing a DC/DC converter, aimed at enhancing performance and longevity. The core of this strategy is an Improved Coot Optimizer algorithm (ICOA), designed to optimize a PID controller for precise voltage regulation of the PEMFC stack. The ICOA incorporates self-adaptive and chaotic mechanisms to improve solution quality and prevent premature convergence. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed ICOA-optimized PID controller significantly reduces voltage ripples and overshoot, key factors in improving PEMFC lifetime. Specifically, compared to non-optimized performance with a 2.47% overshoot and 4.7 s settling time, the ICOA-optimized system exhibits superior dynamic response and stability. Comparative analyses against three other control techniques confirm a wide system enhancement, evidenced by a substantial reduction in both current and overshoot ripples. Algorithm verification using benchmark functions shows the ICOA achieves lower mean values and standard deviations, with p-values indicating statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) compared to COA, MVO, EPO, and LOA algorithms, validating its enhanced optimization capabilities for PEMFC control.