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• A novel grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm is proposed to estimate three unknown parameters of the PV module. • The proposed method is compared with another popular method named as particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. • Three different PV modules are successfully tested via single diode model. • Different statistical errors are calculated, and it is found the minimum for the proposed method. This paper proposes a novel parameter estimation technique for photovoltaic (PV) module considering grey wolf optimization (GWO). Manufacturer data sheet of PV module does not provide all essential parameters of PV module for modelling. Therefore for accurate modelling of PV module, an efficient parameter estimation technique is necessary to estimate the unknown parameters of the PV module. Since conventional estimation methods do not estimate PV parameters with high accuracy, therefore bio-inspired techniques have drawn considerable attention toward it. GWO is a new optimization technique which exhibits high efficiency for optimizing nonlinear equations. Therefore GWO technique is explored here for parameter estimation of PV module under changing weather conditions. The proposed GWO technique is employed for parameter estimation of different PV modules under different test conditions. GWO technique is compared with another popular optimization technique named as particle swarm optimization (PSO) and found having better fitness value compared to PSO. The proposed model is validated through experimental data under different weather conditions and found matching accurately with measured values. Considering different statistical errors, the discussed model has been compared with other well-known models found in the literature. The results show the superiority of the proposed model with a minimum error for both current-voltage and power-voltage characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel switch current stress reduction technique for a single switch boost-flyback high step up dc–dc converter. Coupled inductor-based converters do not have a sufficiently higher inductance value of their windings. This creates current surge during transient and steady state, which in turn increases current stress at main switch. To compensate this difficulty in coupled inductor-based boost flyback converter, an inductor–diode parallel combination has been connected in series with the switch. This technique increases the effective inductance of the coupled inductor primary winding during switch turn-on operation and helps to reduce current stress. Steady-state operating principle with the proposed technique is analyzed in continuous conduction mode. The current reduction technique is discussed with a proper mathematical derivation. To verify theoretical findings, simulation study is carried out in MATLAB/Simulink R2014b. Finally, a laboratory-based 40-W prototype converter is designed to show the effectiveness of the proposed switch current reduction technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]