Dual-stage PV pumping system based on ANFTSMC and PI control enhanced by APSO optimization

This study presents a new strategy to improve the efficiency of a photovoltaic pumping system based on DC motor. The proposed strategy integrates two DC–DC converters between the photovoltaic generator and the DC motor. The first converter employs an adaptive non-singular fast terminal sliding mode controller to ensure that the PVG consistently operates at its maximum power point. This controller offers several benefits, including fast finite time convergence, singularity avoidance and robustness against disturbances without requiring prior knowledge of uncertainty bounds. The second converter is dedicated to maximizing the rotational speed of the DC motor through two proportional–integral controllers, ensuring stable DC-link voltage regulation and improved motor performance. By coordinating these two converters, the PVPS achieves optimal operation even under challenging atmospheric conditions, such as low irradiation and high temperatures, thereby improving the pump’s flow rate and overall system reliability. The control system parameters are computed using an adaptive particle swarm optimization technique. The efficacy of the proposed control method is assessed through a comparative analysis conducted via numerical simulations in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The comparison highlights the superior performance of the proposed control system, resulting in an increase in PV power generation of over 467 W, a maximum power point tracking speed of 1.5 m s and an improvement in motor rotation speed of over 7.4 rad/s.