In this article, a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for a photovoltaic (PV) system is presented. The proposed MPPT controller was designed in order to extract the maximum of power from the PV-module and reduce the oscillations once the maximum power point (MPP) had been achieved. To reach this goal, a combination of fuzzy logic and an adaptive radial basis function neural network (RBF-NN) was used to drive a DC-DC Boost converter which was used to link the PV-module and a resistive load. First, a fuzzy logic system, whose single input was based on the incremental conductance (INC) method, was used for a variable voltage step size searching while reducing the oscillations around the MPP. Second, an RBF-NN controller was developed to keep the PV-module voltage at the optimal voltage generated from the first stage. To ensure a real MPPT in all cases (change of weather conditions and load variation) an adaptive law based on backpropagation algorithm with the gradient descent method was used to tune the weights of RBF-NN in order to minimize a mean-squared-error (MSE) criterion. Finally, through the simulation results, our proposed MPPT method outperforms the classical P and O and INC-adaptive RBF-NN in terms of efficiency.

A Fuzzy Logic Controller Based on Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Partially Shaded PV Array-Experimental Validation

In renewable system control engineering, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques are considered as one of the key steps in photovoltaic (PV) system development. Indeed, some MPPT techniques provide high performance under uniform irradiation and temperature conditions. However, their performance significantly degrades when the two preceding climatic conditions suddenly change. Therefore, this paper proposes a new voltage regulation based on Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) strategy and small-signal model of DC–DC booster converter. The proposed control scheme is mainly based on the indirect incremental conductance (Inc) technique, equipped with an optimal integrator controller (OIC). It is implemented in a PV system, consisting of a DC–DC boost converter connected to a resistive load, with the main objective of ensuring a good MPP tracking behavior for variable operating conditions. To achieve this objective, the proposed MPPT strategy is designed around two stages. First, the smooth reference voltage is ensured by a Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) fuzzy logic controller using the Inc technique based on the MPPT approach. Then, the optimal integrator controller stabilizing the closed-loop system is integrated with optimization of its parameter according to Routh’s criterion for resistive load variations. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed MPPT technique compared to some commonly used MPPT approaches. The superiority of the proposal is proven by using efficiency ratio, which rises more than 98% in all case studies. These objectives are ensured for both uniform and critical sudden change in weather conditions, regardless of resistive load variations.

Conventionally, the parameters of a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) are obtained by a trial and error method or by human experience. In this paper, the problem of designing a FLC for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of a photovoltaic system (PV) that consists of a PV generator, a DC-DC boost converter and a lead-acid battery is studied. The normalization gains, the membership functions and the fuzzy rules are automatically adjusted using a particles swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) in order to maximize the criterion based on the integration of the PV module power under standard temperature condition (STC) (T=25?C and S=1000 W/m2). The robustness test of the optimized fuzzy logic MPPT controller (FLC-MPPT) is carried out under different scenarios. Simulation results of the system clearly show that the proposed optimized FLCMPPT controller outperforms in terms of maximum efficiency the FLC-MPPT controller not optimized, the FLC-MPPT controller with optimized normalization gains and the FLC-MPPT controller with optimized normalization gains and membership functions.

The aim of this paper is to present a bidirectional DC-DC buck-boost converter design that is specifically intended for use with storage batteries in a PV system. The primary purpose of the batteries is to mitigate the unpredictable and intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. To achieve this, a DC-DC converter is used in buck mode during daylight hours to charge the batteries with power derived from the PV system. If the photovoltaic energy source is unavailable, the batteries can discharge to power the DC load through the converter in boost mode. Therefore, the bi-directional DC/DC converter, which has a high-power capacity, manages the power storage system. To this end, the paper describes the design and implementation of both the power circuit board and drive circuit board of the buck-boost converter, taking into account the rated current, voltage, and power. Finally, the effectiveness and efficiency of the designed converter are verified through experimental tests carried out in both charge and discharge modes, with results demonstrating the validity and efficiency of the converter.