An effective optimization algorithm for hydrogen fuel cell-based hybrid energy system: A sustainable microgrid approach

––This paper presents the optimization of the performance of hybrid energy system (HES) integrating PV systems, hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors for improved energy management and reduced hydrogen consumption in microgrid applications. The optimization is achieved using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to adjust the proportional-integral controller. Key performance metrics, such as fuel flow rate, hydrogen consumption, and system stability, are targeted. Comparative analysis shows hydrogen consumption reduced by 18.35%, fuel flow rate by 19.87%, and oxygen utilization improved by 1.04%, resulting in better fuel cell efficiency. PV power consumption decreased by 17.53%, and battery and supercapacitor performance improved by 9.71% and 32%, respectively. The PSO-optimized system also reduces grid dependence by 2.21% and enhances stability by 7.58%. These results demonstrate the critical role of the fuel cell in the HES and highlight how PSO can advance sustainable energy systems by improving microgrid efficiency and reducing grid reliance.