Concise Arithmetic Optimization-Based PI Control for Robust Maximum Power Point Tracking in Photovoltaic Systems

Accurate and fast maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is essential for maintaining optimal performance in photovoltaic systems operating under rapidly changing irradiance levels and multi-peak power-voltage characteristics. Traditional MPPT methods often exhibit slow response, poor adaptability, and limited accuracy in dynamic environments. To address these challenges, this study proposes a Concise Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm integrated with a Proportional-Integral controller (CAOA&PI). A simplified PV model is established, and a CAOA is designed to generate optimal voltage references with reduced computational complexity while maintaining a balance between exploration and exploitation. Experimental results from 30 repeated experiments under single-peak and multi-peak operating conditions demonstrate that the CAOA&PI controller achieves faster convergence, smaller steady-state deviation, and enhanced stability compared with conventional constant voltage tracking (CVT), perturbation and observation (P&O), and incremental conductance (INC) algorithms. These findings confirm that CAOA&PI offers an effective and robust MPPT solution for photovoltaic systems operating in dynamic environments.