Classic and intelligent techniques aim to locate and track the maximum power point of photovoltaic (PV) systems, such as perturb and observe (P&O), fuzzy logic (FL), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFISs). This paper proposes and compares three intelligent algorithms for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control, specifically fuzzy, ANN, and ANFIS. The modeling of a single-diode equivalent circuit-based 3 kWp PV plant was developed and validated to achieve this purpose. Then, the MPPT techniques were designed and applied to control the buck–boost converter’s switching device of the PV plant. All three methods use the ambient conditions as input variables: solar irradiance and ambient temperature. The proposed methodology comprises the study of the dynamic response for tracking the maximum power point and the power generated of the PV systems, and it was compared to the classic P&O technique under varying ambient conditions. We observed that the intelligent techniques outperformed the classic P&O method in tracking speed, tracking accuracy, and reducing oscillation around the maximum power point (MPP). The ANN technique was the better control algorithm in energy gain, managing to recover up to 9.9% power.

This work introduces a new fault detection method for photovoltaic systems. The method identifies short-circuited modules and disconnected strings on photovoltaic systems combining two machine learning techniques. The first algorithm is a multilayer feedforward neural network, which uses irradiance, ambient temperature, and power at the maximum power point as input variables. The neural network output enters a Sugeno type fuzzy logic system that precisely determines how many faulty modules are occurring on the power plant. The proposed method was trained using a simulated dataset and validated using experimental data. The obtained results showed 99.28% accuracy on detecting short-circuited photovoltaic modules and 99.43% on detecting disconnected strings.

The use of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems is increasingly on the rise in Brazil. Faced with this growth, it is necessary to evaluate the impacts of this source in the electric energy systems. Based on this scenario, the present work aims to analyze and quantify the impact of a grid-connected photovoltaic system connection, evaluating the Electric Power Quality indicators based on the levels specified in Module 8 of the Electric Energy Distribution Procedures in the National Electric System. To perform the data collection, an energy analyzer device was installed at the output of the grid-connected system inverter located in the Energy Laboratory of the Federal Rural Semi-Arid University, located in the city of Mossoró-RN. Using the collected data, it was possible to analyze parameters of voltage and current distortion, power factor, active, reactive and apparent power, voltage, frequency variations, and voltage unbalance. It was observed that the criteria analyzed were within the appropriate standards although there were also verified cases that there was an elevation in tension levels. Finally, it is concluded that the impacts caused are relevant within the electric system, and grid connected system performance was satisfactory, although there are still possibilities for improvements.

O presente trabalho estuda a possibilidade de instalação e utilização de um Sistema de Aquecimento Solar de Água Não Convencional e de Baixo Custo (SASncbc) na cidade de Mossoró/RN. Para isso, foi analisado o desempenho térmico de cada elemento que compõe o sistema de aquecimento solar separadamente, a fim de analisar o comportamento que os mesmos apresentaram na cidade em estudo. O SASncbc é composto por um coletor solar plano e um reservatório térmico, e o funcionamento desse sistema é realizado através do regime de convecção natural, também conhecido como termossifão. Foi determinado que o coletor solar não convencional e de baixo custo confeccionado apresenta boas temperaturas de saída, apesar do seu baixo rendimento, entretanto, não é adequado para ser utilizado na cidade de Mossoró/RN, pois atingiu ou ultrapassou, em alguns momentos da pesquisa, os níveis críticos de temperatura para início da degradação térmica de alguns dos materiais utilizados. Por outro lado, o reservatório térmico não convencional e de baixo custo construído apresentou bons resultados, podendo inclusive ser utilizado em outros sistemas de aquecimento de água alternativos ou não convencionais.