Maximum-power operation of a stand-alone PV system using fuzzy logic control

Abstract

The PV array has a unique operating point that can supply maximum power to the load. This point is called the maximum-power point (MPP), and is located on the output characteristics of the array. The locus of this point varies, non-linearly, with the unpredictable variations in the solar insolation and/or the cell temperature. Thus, to operate the PV array at its MPPs for every instant, the PV system must contain a maximum-power point tracking (MPPT) controller. This article proposes the application of the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) to operate a suggested PV control system at the MPP of the array for every instant. The simulation of the system indicates that the use of the FLC gives good results for the MPPT. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.