Fuzzy logic-based perturb and observe algorithm with variable step of a reference voltage for solar permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system fed by direct-connected photovoltaic array

Abstract

Photovoltaic pumping is considered to be the most used application amongst other photovoltaic energy applications in isolated sites. This technology is developing with a slow progression to allow the photovoltaic system to operate at its maximum power. This work introduces the modified algorithm which is a perturb and observe (P&O) type to overcome the limitations of the conventional P&O algorithm and increase its global performance in abrupt weather condition changes. The most significant conventional P&O algorithm restriction is the difficulty faced when choosing the variable step of the reference voltage value, a good compromise between the swift dynamic response and the stability in the steady state. To adjust the step reference voltage according to the location of the operating point of the maximum power point (MPP), a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) block adapted to the P&O algorithm is used. This allows the improvement of the tracking pace and the steady state oscillation elimination. The suggested method was evaluated by simulation using MATLAB/SimPowerSystems blocks and compared to the classical P&O under different irradiation levels. The results obtained show the effectiveness of the technique proposed and its capacity for the practical and efficient tracking of maximum power.