Maximum Power Point Tracking Strategy for Fuel Cells Based on an Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

With the growing global demand for clean energy, fuel cells have been adopted as key components in renewable energy systems. Their high efficiency and environmentally friendly operation make them attractive. However, during maximum power point tracking (MPPT), traditional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controllers often fail to maintain optimal power output. Dynamic load changes and complex operating conditions exacerbate this issue. As a result, system response is slowed, and tracking accuracy is reduced. To address these problems, an online identification method based on recursive least squares (RLS) is employed. A cubic power–current model is identified in real time. Polynomial fitting and the golden section search are then applied to estimate the current at the maximum power point. Following model-based estimation, adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO) is utilized to tune the PID controller parameters. Precise regulation is thus achieved. The use of RLS enables real-time model identification. The golden section search improves the efficiency of current estimation. APSO enhances global optimization, while PID provides fast dynamic response. By integrating these methods, both tracking accuracy and system responsiveness are significantly improved in fuel cell MPPT applications. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy enhances maximum power output by up to 12.40% compared to conventional P&O, fuzzy logic control, GWO-PID, and PSO-PID methods, as well as maintaining a consistent improvement of 1.50% to 1.90% even when compared to other optimization algorithms.