energies

Article
Fuzzy Logic Based MPPT Controller for a PV System
Carlos Robles Algarín * ID
, John Taborda Giraldo and Omar Rodríguez Álvarez
Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad del Magdalena, Carrera 32 No. 22-08, 470004 Santa Marta, Colombia;
jatabordag@gmail.com (J.T.G.); omarfro@gmail.com (O.R.Á.)
* Correspondence: carlosarturo.ing@gmail.com; Tel.: +57-5-421-7940

Received: 19 October 2017; Accepted: 22 November 2017; Published: 2 December 2017

Abstract: The output power of a photovoltaic (PV) module depends on the solar irradiance and
the operating temperature; therefore, it is necessary to implement maximum power point tracking
controllers (MPPT) to obtain the maximum power of a PV system regardless of variations in climatic
conditions. The traditional solution for MPPT controllers is the perturbation and observation (P&O)
algorithm, which presents oscillation problems around the operating point; the reason why improving
the results obtained with this algorithm has become an important goal to reach for researchers.
This paper presents the design and modeling of a fuzzy controller for tracking the maximum power
point of a PV System. Matlab/Simulink (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA) was used for the modeling of
the components of a 65 W PV system: PV module, buck converter and fuzzy controller; highlighting
as main novelty the use of a mathematical model for the PV module, which, unlike diode based
models, only needs to calculate the curve fitting parameter. A P&O controller to compare the results
obtained with the fuzzy control was designed. The simulation results demonstrated the superiority
of the fuzzy controller in terms of settling time, power loss and oscillations at the operating point.

Keywords: fuzzy logic controller; maximum power point tracking (MPPT); dc-dc converter; photovoltaic
system

1. Introduction
In recent years, the use of photovoltaic (PV) energy has experienced significant progress as an
alternative to solve energy problems in places with high solar density, which is due to pollution
caused by fossil fuels and the constant decrease of prices of the PV modules. Unfortunately, the energy
conversion efficiency of the PV modules is low, which reduces the cost-benefit ratio of PV systems.
The maximum power that a PV module can supply is determined by the product of the current
and the voltage at the maximum power point, which depends on the operating temperature and
the solar irradiance. The short-circuit current of a PV module is directly proportional to the solar
irradiance, decreasing considerably as the irradiation decreases, while the open circuit voltage varies
moderately due to changes in irradiation. In contrast, the voltage decreases considerably when the
temperature increases, while the short circuit current increases moderately.
In summary, increases in solar irradiation produce increases in the short-circuit current,
while increases in temperature decrease the open circuit voltage, which affects the output power
of the PV module. This variability of the output power means that in the absence of a coupling device
between the PV module and the load, the system does not operate at the maximum power point (MPP).
According to the previous context, the use of maximum power point (MPPT) controllers is
currently increasing [1]. These devices are responsible for regulating the charge of the batteries,
controlling the point at which the PV modules produces the greatest amount of energy possible,
regardless of variations in climatic conditions. The use of MPPT controllers in PV systems has the
following advantages: 1. They yield more power, depending on weather and temperature; 2. They
allow the connection of PV modules in series to increase the voltage of the system, which reduces the

Energies 2017, 10, 2036; doi:10.3390/en10122036 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2017, 10, 2036 2 of 18

wiring gauge and adds flexibility; 3. They offer a cost savings in the transmission wire needed for the
installation of the PV system.
In contrast to MPPT controllers, traditional controllers make a direct connection of the PV modules
to the batteries, which requires that the modules operate in a voltage range that is below to the voltage
in maximum power point. For example, in the case of a 12 V system, the battery voltage can vary
between 11 V and 15 V, but the voltage at the maximum power point is a typical value between 16 V
and 17 V. Due to this situation, with the traditional controllers the energy that the PV modules can
deliver is not maximized.
Taking into account the above, different researches have been carried out using traditional
algorithms for the modeling and implementation of MPPT controllers [2], of which the following are
highlighted: perturb and observe (P&O) [3,4], modified P&O [5,6], fractional short circuit current [7],
fractional open circuit voltage [8], sliding mode control [9,10] and incremental conductance [11].
The P&O algorithm has been used traditionally, but it has been shown that this method has problems
for tracking the MPP when there are sudden changes in solar irradiance [12].
Also, algorithms based on artificial intelligence techniques such as fuzzy logic [13–19] and neural
networks [20–22] have been used, as well as the implementation of optimization algorithms such as
glowworm swarm [23], ant colony [24,25] and bee colony [26–28]. These algorithms are part of soft
computing techniques and have the advantage of being easily implemented using embedded systems.
Additionally, MPPT controllers are widely used in hybrid power systems, in which different control
techniques based on neural networks, fuzzy logic and particle swarm optimization have been evaluated.
In [29–31], the effectiveness of these control techniques was demonstrated in order to achieve a fast
and stable response for real power control and power system applications. The implementation of
new control and optimization techniques that are detailed in [32–35] for electrical power and energy
systems can be studied in the modeling and implementation of MPPT controllers.
This paper presents the design and modeling of a fuzzy controller to track the maximum power
point of a PV module, using the characteristics of fuzzy logic to represent a problem through linguistic
expressions [36]. This paper presents as a novelty the use of the mathematical model proposed
in [37,38] for modeling the PV module, which, unlike diode based models, only needs to calculate the
curve fitting parameter. The results were compared with the P&O controller, which demonstrated
that the proposed approach presents less energy losses and ensures MPP in all cases evaluated in
simulation. It is worth mentioning that this work is part of a set of intelligent control techniques being
evaluated in the research group Magma Ingeniería of the Universidad del Magdalena in order to
implement a MPPT controller of low cost and high efficiency.
The main objective of this work is the design, modeling and simulation of a fuzzy logic controller
and a dc-dc converter for an off-grid PV system. In a second stage, the fuzzy logic controller will be
implemented using the low-cost Arduino platform [38], taking as a reference the input variables, output,
fuzzification, inference system and defuzzification evaluated during the modeling stage. The dc-dc
converter will also be implemented according to the design conditions evaluated in the simulations.
This work is structured as follows: Section 2 presents the design and modeling of PV system.
Section 3 shows the simulation results for different operating conditions established in Matlab-Simulink.
Finally, Section 4 summarizes the main conclusions.

2. Design and Modeling of PV System

Figure 1 shows the general diagram of the PV system, which is composed of the 65 W PV module,
the buck converter, the battery and the MPPT algorithm (fuzzy or P&O).
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 3 of 18
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 3 of 18

I Io
PV +
DC-DC Converter
Module V Vo Battery
(Buck) -
(65W)

MPPT
Algorithm

Figure 1. Block diagram of the photovoltaic (PV) system.

Figure 1. Block diagram of the photovoltaic (PV) system.
2.1. Modeling of the PV Module
2.1. Modeling
In of the PV (1)
Equation Module
the mathematical model of the PV module is shown [37,38]. With this model, it
In is only necessary to calculate the curve fitting parameter that can be obtained directly from the
Equation (1) the mathematical model of the PV module is shown [37,38]. With this model,
Equation (1). The other parameters are obtained from the electrical data of the PV module.
it is only necessary to calculate the curve fitting parameter that can be obtained directly from the
Ix V 1
Equation (1). The other parameters are I(V) obtained
= from the (electrical
−1 [1 − e
− )
bVx b ] data of the PV module. (1)
1 − e( bh )
V −1)
i
Ix (
where Vx and Ix are the open circuit ) = and
I(Vvoltage 1 −circuit
short
( −1 )
e bVx current
b with dynamic values for solar (1)
1 − e b
irradiance and temperature, which are defined by Equations (2) and (3); b is the characteristic
constant, it does not have units and is the unique parameter that has to be calculated.
where Vx and Ix are the open circuit voltage and short circuit current with dynamic values for solar
E Vmax −Voc
Ei
irradiance and temperature, which are defined by Equations (2) and ( i(3);
ln( b is the))characteristic(2)constant,
Vx = s TCv (T − TN ) + sVmax − s(Vmax − Vmin )e EiN Vmax−Vmin
E
it does not have units and is the iN unique parameter that has to be calculated.

Ei Ei
I =p [I + TC (T − T )] (E max −Voc ))
ln ( VVmax (3)
Vx = s EEiNi TCv (T − TN ) x+ sVEmax sc i N
iN − s(Vmax − Vmin )e
iN −V
min (2)
where; s: number of PV modules connected in series; p: number of PV modules connected in parallel;
Ix = p EEiN
Ei: effective irradiation of the PV module;
i
+ TCi (T −
EiN[I: scirradiation TN )] of 1000 W/m2; T: temperature of
constant (3)
the PV module; TN: temperature constant of 25 °C; Tcv: temperature coefficient of voltage; Tci:
where; s: number of PV modules connected in series; p: number of PV modules connected in parallel;
temperature coefficient of current; Voc: open circuit voltage; Isc: short-circuit current; Vmax: voltage for
Ei : effective irradiation 2
irradiations underof 200the
WPV
andmodule;
operatingEtemperature
iN : irradiation of 25constant of 1000
°C (this value W/m
is 103% of V;ocT: temperature
); V min: voltage
of the
PV module; TN : temperature ◦
for irradiations over 1200constant of 25 C;
W and operating Tcv : temperature
temperature coefficient
of 25 °C (this value is of
85%voltage;
of Voc). Tci : temperature
coefficient ofThe electrical
current; parameters
Voc of thevoltage;
: open circuit 65 W PVImodule (Yingli Solar,
sc : short-circuit Baoding,
current; VmaxChina) are illustrated
: voltage for irradiations
in Table 1. To find b, Equation (1) and the parameters ◦
under 200 W and operating temperature of 25 C (this value is 103% of Voc );that
of Table 1 were used. Knowing Vminthe: value
voltage for
of b is in the range of 0.01 to 0.18 [39], the approximation of ◦Equation (4) can be done.
irradiations over 1200 W and operating temperature of 25 C (this value is 85% of Voc ).
−1
The electrical parameters of the 65 W PV module 1 − e( b ) ≈
(Yingli
1 Solar, Baoding, China) are illustrated
(4) in
Table 1. To find b, Equation (1) and the parameters of Table 1 were used. Knowing that
Therefore, for Vx = 21.7 V; Ix = 4 A; I = 3.71 A and V = 17.5 V; the value of b is 0.07375. the value of b
is in the range of 0.01 to 0.18 [39], the approximation of Equation (4) can be done.
Table 1. Electrical parameters of the PV module type YL65P-17b.
−1
1 − e( b ) ≈ 1
Parameter Value (4)
Short-circuit current (Isc) 4A
Open circuit voltage (Voc) 21.7 V
Therefore, for Vx = 21.7 V; Ix =Voltage
4 A; I at=P3.71 A and V = 17.5 V; the value
max (Vmpp) 17.5 V of b is 0.07375.
Current at Pmax (Impp) 3.71 A
Electrical parameters
Table 1.Temperature coefficient of of the PV
voltage (Tcvmodule
) type−0.0802
YL65P-17b.
V/°C
Temperature coefficient of current (Tci) 0.0024 A/°C
Maximum voltage (Vmax) 22.35 V
Parameter Value
Minimum voltage (Vmin) 18.44 V
Short-circuit current (Isc ) 4A
Open circuit voltage (Voc ) 21.7 V
Voltage at Pmax (Vmpp ) 17.5 V
Current at Pmax (Impp ) 3.71 A
Temperature coefficient of voltage (Tcv ) −0.0802 V/◦ C
Temperature coefficient of current (Tci ) 0.0024 A/◦ C
Maximum voltage (Vmax ) 22.35 V
Minimum voltage (Vmin ) 18.44 V
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 4 of 18
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 4 of 18

Figure
Figure 2a
2a shows
shows the
the modeling
modeling of the PV module with the Simulink function blocks (MathWorks,
Natick, MA, USA). Figure
Natick, MA, USA). Figure 2b 2b
presents the PV
presents themodule in a subsystem,
PV module which was
in a subsystem, evaluated
which for different
was evaluated for
values of solar
different valuesirradiance and temperature.
of solar irradiance and temperature.

(s*(u(1)/1000)*(TCv)*(u(2)-25))+(s*Vmax)-((s*(Vmax- [Vx]
Vmin))*(exp((u(1)/1000)*(log((Vmax-Voc)/(Vmax-Vmin))))))
1 Vx
Ei Fcn Vx
2
T p*(u(1)/1000)*(Isc+(TCi*(u(2) [Ix]
-25)))
Ix
Fcn Ix
[Vx]
From2
((u(2)/(1-(exp(-1/b))))*(1-
[Ix] 1
From3 (exp((u(3)/b*u(1)))-(1/b)))))
I
3 Fcn I
V
(a)
[Ip] Imodule

1 Ei 1
Ei (W/m2) V+
Isource2
2
2 2
V-
T I 3
T °C Imodule1
Pmodule Pmodule1

Memory 3
PV Module Ref_V 1
Vmodule1
(b)

Figure 2. PV module in Matlab. (a) Model implemented with Simulink

Figure 2. Simulink function
function blocks;
blocks; (b)
(b) Subsystem
Subsystem
implemented
implemented for
for the
the simulation.
simulation.

Table22shows
Table shows thethe values
values obtained
obtained withwith the mathematical
the mathematical modelmodel of the
of the PV PV module,
module, using
using variable
variable
solar solar irradiance
irradiance and operating
and operating temperature
temperature of 25 C.◦ of 25 °C. Itbecan
It can be that
seen seen the
thatvalues
the values obtained
obtained for
standard test conditions (Ei = 1000 W/m , T = 25 C) correspond to the electrical parameters the
for standard test conditions (E i = 1000 W/m 22, T = 25 °C) ◦ correspond to the electrical parameters of of
PV PV
the module
modulepresented
presentedin in
Table
Table 1. 1.
Additionally,
Additionally, it itisisworth
worthnoting
notingthat
thatthe
the decreases
decreases in the solar
in the solar
irradiance considerably
irradiance considerably affect
affect the
the short-circuit
short-circuit current,
current, while
while the
the open
open circuit
circuit voltage
voltage is
is affected
affected in
in
smaller proportion.
smaller proportion.
Table 2. Parameters of the PV module for variable solar irradiance.
Table 2. Parameters of the PV module for variable solar irradiance.
Parameter 1000 W/m2 800 W/m2 600 W/m2 400 W/m2 200 W/m2
current Isc (A) 1000 W/m4.0 800 W/m23.2 600 W/m2.4
Parameter
Short-circuit 2 2 2
400 W/m1.6 200 W/m 2
0.8
Open circuit current
Short-circuit voltageIscVoc
(A)(V) 4.0 21.70 3.2 21.42 2.4 21.02 1.6 20.44 0.819.62
Open circuit
Voltage at voltage Voc(V)
Pmax Vmpp (V) 21.7017.66 21.42 17.55 21.0217.37 20.4416.78 19.62
16.08
Voltage at P V
Current at Pmax Impp (A)
max mpp (V) 17.663.679 17.55 2.924 17.372.171 16.781.459 16.08
0.730
Current at Pmax Impp (A) 3.679 2.924 2.171 1.459 0.730
Maximum Power Point
Maximum Power Point (W)
(W) 64.98
64.98 51.31
51.31 37.72
37.72 24.48
24.48 11.75
11.75

Table 3 shows the data obtained with the mathematical modeling of the PV module for solar
Table 3ofshows
irradiance the data
1000 W/m obtained
2 and variablewith the mathematical
temperature. modeling
In this case, it canofbethe PV module
noted for solar
that increases in
irradiance of 1000 W/m 2 and variable temperature. In this case, it can be noted that increases in
temperature considerably affect the open circuit voltage, while the short-circuit current is affected in
a smaller proportion. Tables 2 and 3 will be used as references in the results and discussion section,
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 5 of 18

temperature
Energies 2017, 10,considerably
2036 affect the open circuit voltage, while the short-circuit current is affected
5 of in
18
a smaller proportion. Tables 2 and 3 will be used as references in the results and discussion section,
in
in which
which aa comparison
comparison with
with the
the fuzzy
fuzzy and
and P&O
P&O controllers
controllers will
will be
be made;
made; with
with variations
variations of
of the
the solar
solar
irradiance
irradiance and
and the
the operating temperature of
operating temperature of the
the PV
PV module.
module.
Table 3. Parameters of the PV module for variable temperature.
Table 3. Parameters of the PV module for variable temperature.
Parameter 0 °C 25 °C 50 °C 75 °C
Parameter 0 ◦C ◦C
25 4.00 50 ◦4.06
C ◦C
754.12
Short-circuit current Isc (A) 3.94
Open circuitcurrent
Short-circuit voltage
Isc V oc (V)
(A) 3.9423.71 4.0021.7 19.69
4.06 17.69
4.12
Open circuit voltage
Voltage at Pmax Vmpp V (V)
oc (V) 23.7119.39 21.7
17.66 19.69
16.47 17.69
14.47
Voltage
Currentat Pat
max Vmpp
Pmax Impp(V)
(A) 19.393.606 17.66
3.679 16.47
3.617 14.47
3.771
Current at Pmax Impp (A) 3.606 3.679 3.617 3.771
Maximum Power Point (W)(W)
Maximum Power Point 69.9269.92 64.98
64.98 59.59
59.59 54.55
54.55

2.2. DC-DC Converter Model

2.2. DC-DC Converter Model
A buck converter as control device was used. Figure 3 shows the circuit that was designed to
A buck converter as control device was used. Figure 3 shows the circuit that was designed to
ensure that the converter operates in the continuous conduction mode (CCM); in order to avoid that,
ensure that the converter operates in the continuous conduction mode (CCM); in order to avoid that,
the current in the inductor reaches zero during a time interval.
the current in the inductor reaches zero during a time interval.

Vo

Figure 3. Buck converter circuit.

Figure 3. Buck converter circuit.

In the CCM,
CCM,when
whenthe
thetransistor
transistorisisconducting,
conducting, thethe
diode is in
diode is open circuit
in open (Ton(T
circuit ).onUsing Equation
). Using (5),
Equation
the ripple
(5), of the
the ripple of inductor is obtained
the inductor as shown
is obtained in Equation
as shown (6). (6).
in Equation
LΔIL
L∆I
VLV=
L =
L (5)
(5)
∆t∆t

(V(Vs−
s− VV DS−−ILILRRLL))−
−VVoo
∆IL∆I L (+)
== Ton
DS (6)
(+) T (6)
LL
on

The inductor current decreases during the off

off state
state as
as shown
shown in in Equation
Equation (7).
(7).
V + (V + I R )
∆IL (−) = Vo o+ (Vdd+ ILLRLL) Toff (7)
∆IL (−) = L Toff (7)
L
Assuming that Vd, RL y VDS are very small values, Equations (8) and (9) are obtained.
Assuming that Vd , RL y VDS are very small values, Equations (8) and (9) are obtained.
(Vs − Vo )
∆IL (+) = T (8)
(Vs −LVo ) on
∆IL (+) = Ton (8)
L
Vo
∆IL (−) =V Toff (9)
∆IL (−) = LToff
o
(9)
L
Equating Equations (8) and (9); using Ts = Toff + Ton, Equation (10) for the duty cycle D is obtained.
Equating Equations (8) and (9); using Ts = Toff + Ton , Equation (10) for the duty cycle D is obtained.
Ton Vo
D= = (10)
TonTs VVos
D= = (10)
Ts Vs
2.2.1. Inductor Design
The inductor was designed to maintain the balance volts per second of the converter and to
reduce ripple in the output current. Using an improper inductor produces an alternating current
ripple in the direct current output, causing a change between continuous and discontinuous
 Energies 2017, 10, 2036 6 of 18

2.2.1. Inductor Design

The inductor was designed to maintain the balance volts per second of the converter and to reduce
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 6 of 18
ripple in the output current. Using an improper inductor produces an alternating current ripple in the
direct current output, causing a change between continuous and discontinuous conduction modes.
conduction modes. To operate in the continuous conduction mode, the critical output current must
To operate in the continuous conduction mode, the critical output current must be greater than or
be greater than or equal to half the inductor current ripple. See Equation (11) and Figure 4.
equal to half the inductor current ripple. See Equation (11) and Figure 4.
∆IL
io (crit) ≥ ∆I (11)
io (crit) ≥ 2 L (11)
2

I L Solid
io Dashed= io(crit)

ΔI L

Ton Toff

Ts

Figure
Figure 4. 4. Critical
Critical output
output current.
current.

Replacing
Replacing Equation
Equation (8)(8)
inin
(12), using
(12), usingTon = DT
Ton s, the
= DT Equation
s , the (12)
Equation forfor
(12) thethe
design of of
design thethe
inductor
inductor
is is
obtained.
obtained.
Vo ( 1 − V o
V )Ts
Lmin ≥ Vo (1 − Vos)Ts (12)
Vs )
2i0 (crit (12)
Lmin ≥
To calculate L, the maximum power and voltage 2i0 (crit)
according to the MPP of the PV module were
used: Vs = 17.71
To calculate L, V,
thePmaximum
max = 64.984 W, ioand
power = 5.41 A, fsaccording
voltage = 20 KHz. Using
to the MPP a ripple value
of the PV of 10%
module for a
were
maximum
used: output
Vs = 17.71 current,
V, Pmax = 64.984Equation (13) A,
W, io = 5.41 is obtained.
fs = 20 KHz. Using a ripple value of 10% for a maximum
output current, Equation (13) is obtained.
∆IL = 0.1 × io (max) = 0.541 A (13)
∆IL = 0.1 × io (max) = 0.541 A (13)
Using
Using Equations
Equations (12)
(12) andand (13),
(13), thethe minimum
minimum value
value of the
of the inductor
inductor as shown
as shown in Equation
in Equation (14)
(14) is
is obtained.
obtained. 12
12 × (1 − 17.71 ) × 50 µS
L≥ 12 ≥ 357.57 µH (14)
12 × (1 −2 × ) × 50 μS
0.2705
L≥ 17.71 ≥ 357.57 μH (14)
2.2.2. Capacitor Design 2 × 0.2705

The current in the capacitor is defined as the variation of the charge with respect to time.
2.2.2. Capacitor Design
See Equation (15).
∆Q variation
The current in the capacitor is defined as the ∆Vc of the charge with respect to time. See
i= =C (15)
Equation (15). ∆t ∆t
∆Q
Using Figure 5 and Equation (15), the expression∆Vfor
c
the variation of the load ∆Q is obtained.
See Equation (16). i= =C (15)
∆t ∆t
∆IL Ts
∆Q = for
Using Figure 5 and Equation (15), the expression (16)
8 the variation of the load ΔQ is obtained. See
Equation (16).
∆IL Ts
∆Q = (16)
8
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 7 of 18
Energies2017,
Energies 2017,10,
10,2036
2036 7 7ofof1818

I LI L

ΔIΔIL/2
L/2

Figure 5. Timevariation
Figure variation ofthe
the currentininthe
the inductor.
Figure5.5.Time
Time variationof
of thecurrent
current in theinductor.
inductor.

Therefore,Equation
Therefore, Equation(17)
(17)for
forthe
thedesign
designofofthe
thecapacitor
capacitorisisobtained.
obtained.
Therefore, Equation (17) for the design of the capacitor is obtained.
∆I∆IL T
LT
ss
CC≥≥ (17)
(17)
∆I8∆V
8∆V
L Tsc c
C≥ (17)
8∆Vc
Usingaaripple
Using ripplevalue
valueofof0.1%,
0.1%,Equation
Equation(18)
(18)isisobtained.
obtained.
Using a ripple value of 0.1%, Equation (18) is obtained.
(0.001)(V
∆V==(0.001)(V
∆V o )==0.012
o) 0.012VV (18)
(18)
FromEquations
From Equations(13),
(13),(17)
(17)and ∆Vthe
and(18),
(18), the(minimum
= minimum
0.001 value
)(Vo )value ofofthe
= 0.012 the capacitorisisobtained.
V capacitor obtained.See
SeeEquation
Equation
(18)
(19).
(19).
From Equations (13), (17) and (18), the minimum value of the capacitor is obtained. See Equation (19).
∆I∆IL T
LT
ss
CC≥≥ ≥≥279.63
279.63μF μF (19)
(19)
8∆V
∆I8∆V
L Tsc c
C≥ ≥ 279.63 µF (19)
8∆Vc
2.2.3.Modelling
2.2.3. ModellingofofBuck
BuckConverter
Converter
2.2.3. Modelling of Buck Converter
Figure66shows
Figure showsthe
thebuck
buckconverter
converterthat
thatwas
wasmodeled
modeledusing
usingthethefundamental
fundamentalblocks
blocksofofSimulink.
Simulink.
Figure 6 shows the buck converter that was modeled using the fundamental blocks of Simulink.

Dutty
Dutty
PWMGenerator
PWM Generator
(DC-DC)20KHz
(DC-DC)20KHz

V+V+ Switch
Switch LL Ammeter2
Ammeter2 Scope1
Scope1

Diode
Diode P_Out
SeriesRLC
Series RLCBranch
Branch P_Batt P_Out
P_Batt
Battery
Battery
V_out
V_out

V-V-

Figure6.6.6.Buck
Figure
Figure Buckconverter
Buck convertermodeled
converter modeledin
modeled inSimulink.
in Simulink.
Simulink.

Figure77shows
Figure showsthe thecurrent
currentininthe
thebattery
batterywith
withthe
thebuck
buckconverter
converterininopen
openloop,
loop,with
withsolar
solar
Figure 7 shows the current in the battery with the buck converter in open loop, with solar
irradiance of 200 W/m 2 2 and temperature of 25 °C; in which it is observed that the converter works in
irradiance of 200 W/m 2and temperature of 25 °C; in which it is observed that the converter works in
irradiance of 200 W/m and temperature of 25 ◦ C; in which it is observed that the converter works in
theCCM
the CCMaccording
accordingtotothat
thatestablished
establishedininthe
thedesign
designconditions.
conditions.
the CCM according to that established in the design conditions.
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 8 of 18
Energies2017,
Energies 2017,10,
10,2036
2036 88ofof18
18

22
1.04
1.04
1.5
1.5
1.02
1.02
11
Battery Current (A)

11
Battery Current (A)

Battery Current (A)

Battery Current (A)
0.5
0.5 0.98
0.98

0.96
0.96
00
0.94
0.94
-0.5
-0.5
0.92
0.92

-1-1 0.90.9

-1.5
-1.5 0.88
0.88
00 0.05
0.05 0.1
0.1 0.15
0.15 0.2
0.2 0.25
0.25 0.3
0.3 0.35
0.35 0.2213 0.2213
0.2213 0.2213 0.2213
0.2213 0.2214
0.2214 0.2214
0.2214 0.2214 0.2214 0.2214
0.2214 0.2214 0.2215 0.2215
0.2214 0.2215 0.2215
0.2215 0.2215
Time(seconds)
Time (seconds) Time(seconds)
(seconds)
Time
(a)(a) (b)
(b)

Figure7.7.
Figure
Figure 7.(a)
(a)Battery
Batterycurrent
currentfor
current foropen
for openloop;
open loop;(b)
loop; (b)Extended
(b) Extendedsection
Extended sectionfor
section forrange
for range(0.2213–0.2215
range (0.2213–0.2215s).
(0.2213–0.2215 s).
s).

2.3.Fuzzy
2.3.
2.3. FuzzyController
Fuzzy ControllerDesign
Controller Design
Design
Fuzzycontrol
Fuzzy
Fuzzy controlis
control isaaamethod
is methodthat
method thatallows
that allowsthe
allows theconstruction
the constructionof
construction ofnonlinear
of nonlinearcontrollers
nonlinear controllersfrom
controllers fromheuristic
from heuristic
heuristic
informationthat
information
information that comes
thatcomes
comesfromfrom
from the
the knowledge
knowledge
the knowledge ofan
of anexpert.
of expert.
an Figure
Figure
expert. 88shows
Figure shows theblock
the
8 shows block diagram
diagram
the block ofaafuzzy
of
diagram fuzzy
of a
controller.
controller. The
The fuzzification
fuzzification block
block is
is responsible
responsible for
for processing
processing the
the input
input signals
signals
fuzzy controller. The fuzzification block is responsible for processing the input signals and assign and
and assign
assign them
them aa
fuzzyavalue.
fuzzy
them value. The
fuzzyThe setof
set
value. ofrules
The rules
set of allows
allows alinguistic
linguistic
rulesaallows description
description
a linguistic ofofthe
thevariables
description variables tobe
to
of the variablesbecontrolled
controlled andisis
and
to be controlled
based
based on
on the
the knowledge
knowledge of
of the
the process.
process. The
The inference
inference mechanism
mechanism is
is
and is based on the knowledge of the process. The inference mechanism is responsible for making responsible
responsible for
for making
making an
an
interpretation
interpretation of
of the
the data
data taking
taking into
into account
account the
the rules
rules and
and their
their membership
membership
an interpretation of the data taking into account the rules and their membership functions. With the functions.
functions. With
With the
the
defuzzificationblock,
defuzzification
defuzzification block,the
block, thefuzzy
the fuzzyinformation
fuzzy informationcoming
information comingfrom
coming fromthe
from theinference
the inferencemechanism
inference mechanismisis
mechanism isconverted
convertedinto
converted into
into
non-fuzzy
non-fuzzy information
information that
that is
is useful
useful for
for the
the process
process to
to
non-fuzzy information that is useful for the process to be controlled. be
be controlled.
controlled.

FuzzyControler
Fuzzy Controler
Defuzzification
Defuzzification
Fuzzification
Fuzzification

Input
Input Inference
Inference Output
Output
Process
Process

Rules
Rules

Figure8.8.Block
Figure Blockdiagram
diagramfor
foraafuzzy
fuzzycontroller.
controller.
Figure 8. Block diagram for a fuzzy controller.

Takinginto
Taking intoaccount
accountthe theabove,
above,the thedesign
designof offuzzy
fuzzycontroller
controllerfor forthis
thiswork
workisispresented.
presented.AAfuzzy fuzzy
Taking
controller
controller intotwo
with
with account
two inputs
inputs theandabove,
and the
oneoutput
one design
output wasofdesigned.
was fuzzy controller
designed. Thetwo
The two for this variables
input
input work is presented.
variables ErrorA
areError
are fuzzy
(E)
(E) and
and
controller
Change ofwith
Error two inputs
(CE), which andare one output
shown in was designed.
Equations (20) The
and
Change of Error (CE), which are shown in Equations (20) and (21) for sample times k. two
(21) input
for samplevariables
times are
k. Error (E) and
Change of Error (CE), which are shown in Equations (20) and (21) for sample times k.
P(k)−−P(k
P(k) P(k−−1)1) ∆P ∆P
E(k)==
E(k) == (20)
(20)
V(k)
P(V(k) −
k) −−P(V(kV(k − 1)
k −−1)1) ∆P ∆V
∆V
E(k) = = (20)
V(k) − V(k − 1) ∆V
CE(k)==E(k)
CE(k) E(k)−−E(k E(k−−1)1)==∆E ∆E (21)
(21)
CE(k) = E(k) − E(k − 1) = ∆E (21)
Theinput
The inputE(k)
E(k)isisthe
theslope
slopeof ofthe
theP-V
P-Vcurve
curveandanddefines
definesthethelocation
locationof ofthetheMPP
MPPin inthe
thePVPVmodule.
module.
TheCE(k)
The CE(k) input
The input
input defines
E(k) whether
is thewhether
defines slope ofthe themovement
movement
P-V curve andofthe
of the operating
defines pointisisof
the location
operating point ininthe
theMPP
the MPPin
MPP direction ornot.
the PV module.
direction or not.
Theoutput
The
The outputinput
CE(k) variable
variable isisthe
defines the increment
whether
increment induty
dutycycle
the movement
in cycle (ΔD),
of (ΔD),
the whichcan
operating
which can
point take
take positive
is positive
in the MPP ornegative
or negativevalues
direction values
or not.
depending
The outputon
depending on thelocation
variable
the location
is the of ofthetheoperating
increment operating
in duty point. This
cycleThis
point. (∆D), output
which
output isiscan
sent
sent take
totothe
the dc-dcor
positive
dc-dc converter
negative
converter tovalues
to drive
drive
theload.
load.Using
depending
the Using
on the thelocation
the valueof
value of ΔD
ofΔD delivered
thedelivered
operatingby by thecontroller,
point.
the controller,
This output anis
an accumulator
sent to the dc-dc
accumulator wasmade
was made toobtain
converter
to obtain
to drivethe
the
valueof
value ofthe
theduty
dutycycle.
cycle.SeeSeeEquation
Equation(22). (22).
D(k)==D(k
D(k) D(k−−1)
1)++∆D(k)
∆D(k) (22)
(22)
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 9 of 18

the load. Using the value of ∆D delivered by the controller, an accumulator was made to obtain the
value of the duty cycle. See Equation (22).

Energies 2017, 10, 2036 D(k) = D(k − 1) + ∆D(k) 9 (22)

of 18

2.3.1.
2.3.1. Membership
Membership Functions
Functions
Triangular
Triangular membership
membership functions
functions for
for the
the fuzzification
fuzzification process
process were
were used.
used. For
For the
the inputs
inputs E,E, CE
CE
and
and for
for the output ∆D,
the output ΔD, 55 membership
membership functions
functions were
were defined
defined inin terms
terms of
of the
the following
following linguistic
linguistic
variables:
variables:Very
VeryLowLow(MB),
(MB),Low (B),
Low Neutral
(B), Neutral (N), High
(N), High(A)(A)
andand
VeryVery
HighHigh
(MA). The range
(MA). for the
The range error
for the
is ( − 60 to 100), for the change of error is ( − 10 to 10) and for the increment in duty cycle is
error is (−60 to 100), for the change of error is (−10 to 10) and for the increment in duty cycle is (−0.01 ( − 0.01 to
0.01). Figure
to 0.01). 9 shows
Figure thethe
9 shows membership
membership functions
functionsfor for
thethe
inputs andand
inputs outputs of the
outputs controller.
of the controller.

VH VL L N H VH
1 VL L H 1
N
Degree of Membership

Degree of Membership
0.5 0.5

0 0
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10
Input Variable: E Input Variable: ΔE
(b)
(a)
VL L N H VH
Degree of Membership

0.5

-0.01 -0.008 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.01
Output Variable: ΔD
(c)

Figure 9.
Figure 9. Membership
Membership functions.
functions. (a) Error;
Error; (b)
(b) Change
Change of
of error;
error; (c)
(c) Increment
Increment of
of duty
duty cycle.
cycle.

2.3.2. Fuzzy
2.3.2. Fuzzy Rules
Rules
Table 44shows
Table shows the
the 25
25 fuzzy
fuzzy rules
rules applied
applied inin the
the controller.
controller. The
The rows
rows and
and columns
columns represent
represent the
the
two inputs
two inputs EE and
and ∆E.
ΔE. The
The output
output ∆D
ΔD is
is aa variable
variable located
located at
at the
the intersection
intersectionof
ofaarow
rowwith
withaacolumn.
column.
Table 4. Fuzzy associative matrix.
Table 4. Fuzzy associative matrix.
E/ΔE Very Low Low Neutral High Very High
Very LowE/∆E VHVery Low VH
Low H
Neutral High VL Very High VL
Low Very Low H VH H
VH HH VL VL VL L
NeutralLow H H HH HN VL L L L
HighNeutral H H HH NL L L L VL
High H H L L VL
Very High H H L L VL
Very High H H L L VL

2.3.3. Fuzzy Controller Modelling

2.3.3. Fuzzy Controller Modelling
The controller was modeled with the Matlab Fuzzy Logic Toolbox (MathWorks, Natick, MA,
The controller was modeled with the Matlab Fuzzy Logic Toolbox (MathWorks, Natick, MA,
USA). A Mamdani controller with the centroid defuzzification method was used. This procedure was
USA). A Mamdani controller with the centroid defuzzification method was used. This procedure
carried out using the fuzzy inference system editor (FIS editor) (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA).
was carried out using the fuzzy inference system editor (FIS editor) (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA).
Figure 10 shows the controller modeled in Simulink, for which a subsystem was performed to
Figure 10 shows the controller modeled in Simulink, for which a subsystem was performed to calculate
calculate ΔV and ΔP in order to obtain the inputs E and ΔE.
∆V and ∆P in order to obtain the inputs E and ∆E.
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 10 of 18
Energies 2017,
Energies 2017, 10,
10, 2036
2036 1010
of of
1818

Error
Error
12:34
12:34
T
T
ΔV
ΔV
Digital Clock1
Digital Clock1 Fuzzy Logic
Fuzzy Logic
Controller
Controller
With
With
1 V Ruleviewer
1 V Ruleviewer
V Change of Dutty
V Divide Error Change Dutty
Divide Error of
Error Error Cycle
ΔP Cycle
2 I ΔP
2 I Subtract3
Subtract3 Subtract1
I Subtract1
I Memory2
ΔV and ΔP Zero-Order Memory2
ΔV and ΔP Zero-Order
Hold2 Change of Error
Hold2 Memory1 Change of Error
Memory1

Figure
Figure 10. Fuzzy logic
10. Fuzzy logic controller.
controller.
Figure 10. Fuzzy logic controller.
2.4.
2.4.P&O
P&OController
ControllerDesign
Design
2.4. P&O Controller Design
The
TheP&OP&Oalgorithm
algorithm consists
consists of modifying
modifying the the operating
operating point
point of
of the
the PV
PV module
moduleby byincreasing
increasing
or The P&O algorithm consists of modifying the operating point of the PV module by increasing
ordecreasing
decreasingthe the duty
duty cycle
cycle of of aa dc-dc
dc-dc converter order to
converter in order to measure
measure the the output
outputpower
powerbefore
before and
and
or
afterdecreasing the duty cycle of a dc-dc converter in order to measure the output power before and
afterthe
theperturbance.
perturbance. If If the
the power increases, the the algorithm
algorithmperturbs
perturbsthethesystem
systemininthethesame
samedirection;
direction;
after
otherwisethe perturbance. If the power increases, the algorithm perturbs the system in the same direction;
otherwisethe thesystem
system is is perturbed
perturbed in the the opposite direction. Figure 11
direction. Figure 11 shows
showsthe the44possible
possibleoptions
options
otherwise
that the system is perturbed in the opposite direction.1 Figure 11 shows the 4 possible options
thatare
arepresented
presentedduring
duringthe thetracking
trackingof ofthe
theMPP,
MPP,withwithpoint
point 1being
beingthe
theprevious
previousposition
positionandandpoint
point2
that
being are
2 being
presented
thethe
current
current
during
position
position
theof
of tracking
eacheachcase of(A,
(A,
case
the MPP,
B,B,
C Cand
and
with
D).
D).
point 1 being the previous position and point
2 being the current position of each case (A, B, C and D).
• Case CaseA:
Case
A:∆PΔP < 0 y ∆V
ΔP<<<000y
ΔV << 0. 0.
 Case A:B: ΔP yyΔV
ΔV><0.0.
• Case Case B: ∆P < 0 y ∆V > 0.
 Case B:C: ΔP
ΔP <> 00 y
y ΔV
ΔV >> 0. 0.
• Case Case C:
C:∆PΔP >> 00 yy ∆V
ΔV >> 0.
0.
 Case D: ΔP > 0 y ΔV < 0.
• Case CaseD: D:∆PΔP>>00yy∆V ΔV<< 0. 0.
In cases A and C, the duty cycle must decrease, causing the PV module voltage to increase; while
Incases
In
in cases cases
B andAAand
and
D theC,duty
C, theduty
the duty cycle
cyclecycle
must must
must decrease,so
decrease,
be increased causing
causing thevoltage
the
that the PVmodule
PV module
of the voltage
voltage toincrease;
to
PV module increase; while
while
decreases.
in
in cases
cases
The BBand
andD
flowchart Dthetheduty
implementedduty cycle
cycle must
must
for the P&O becontroller
be increasedisso
increased so that the
that
shown the voltage
voltage
in Figure 12. of the
of the PV
PV module
module decreases.
decreases.
The flowchart implemented for the P&O controller
The flowchart implemented for the P&O controller is shown in Figure 12. is shown in Figure 12.
70
MPP
70
MPP
60
60
50 A B
50 A B
r (W)

40
r (W)

40
Powe

30
Powe

30 C
20 C
20 D
10 D
10
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
0 Voltage (V)
0 5 10 15 20 25
Voltage (V)
Figure 11. Movement of the maximum power point on the P-V curve of the PV module.
Figure11.
Figure 11.Movement
Movementof
ofthe
themaximum
maximumpower
powerpoint
pointon
onthe
theP-V
P-Vcurve
curveof
ofthe
thePV
PVmodule.
module.
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 11 of 18
Energies
Energies2017,
2017,10,
10,2036
2036 11
11ofof18
18

Start
Start

Measure
MeasureV(x),
V(x),I(x)
I(x)

No
No ¿First
¿First Ye
Yess
Me
Measurement?
asurement?

P(x)=V(x)*I(x)
P(x)=V(x)*I(x) P(x)=V(x)*I(x)
P(x)=V(x)*I(x)
ΔP=P(x)-P(x-1)
ΔP=P(x)-P(x-1)

Duty
Duty++
++
No
No Ye
Yess
ΔP>0
ΔP>0

Ye
Yess No
No Ye
Yess No
No
V(x)-V(x-1)>0
V(x)-V(x-1)>0 V(x)-V(x-1)>0
V(x)-V(x-1)>0

Duty
Duty++
++ Duty
Duty---- Duty
Duty---- Duty
Duty++
++

V(x-1)=V(x)
V(x-1)=V(x)
P(x-1)=P(x)
P(x-1)=P(x)

Figure
Figure 12.
Figure12. Flowchartofof
12.Flowchart
Flowchart ofthe
theperturbation
the perturbation and
perturbationand observation
andobservation (P&O)
observation(P&O) controller.
(P&O)controller.
controller.

2.5.
2.5. PV
2.5.PV SystemModelling
PVSystem
System Modelling
Modelling
Figure
Figure
Figure13 13 showsthe
13shows
shows thePV
the PVsystem
PV systemimplemented
system implemented
implemented ininin Matlab/Simulink,
Matlab/Simulink,
Matlab/Simulink, which
which
which is composed
isiscomposed
composed of of PV
ofthe
the the
PV
PV module,
module,
module, thethe
the buck buck
buck converter
converter
converter andand
and thethe
the fuzzy/P&O
fuzzy/P&O
fuzzy/P&O controller.
controller.
controller. TheThe
The signal
signal
signal builderblock
builder
builder blockwas
block wasused
was usedto
used to
to
generate
generate the
the temperature
temperature and
and irradiance
irradiance signals
signals in
in order
order to
to evaluate
evaluate the
the controller
controller
generate the temperature and irradiance signals in order to evaluate the controller performance. performance.
performance.
Additionally,
Additionally, this
Additionally, this system
this system
system waswas used
was used
used toto evaluate
to evaluate the standard
evaluate the standard P&O
standard P&O controller and
P&O controller and perform
perform thethe
comparison
comparison with
comparisonwith the
withthe fuzzy
thefuzzy controller.
fuzzycontroller.
controller.

1000
1000

powergui
powergui Irradiance
Irradiance

VV VV
EiEi(W/m2)
(W/m2)
DD
EiEi(W/m2)
(W/m2)
TT
°C°C 11 Switch
Switch II II
Signal
SignalBuilder1
Builder1 Control
Control
2525 Fuzzy
FuzzyLogic
LogicController
Controller/ P&O
/ P&O
Temperature
Temperature T T(°C)
(°C) PP Power
Power Dutty_Cycle
Dutty_Cycle
P_Out
P_Out Power
Power
Switch1
Switch1
V+
V+ V+
V+

Reference_Volt
Reference_Volt V_Out
V_Out
V-V- V-V-

PV
PVModule
Module DC-DC
DC-DCConverter
Converter

Figure
Figure 13.
Figure13. PV
13.PV system
PVsystem modelling.
systemmodelling.
modelling.

2.6.
2.6. Limitations
2.6.Limitations
The
The dc-dc
Thedc-dc converterand
dc-dcconverter andfuzzy
fuzzycontrol
fuzzy controlwere
control were
were designed
designed
designed based
based
based ononthe
on electrical
the
the parameters
electrical
electricalparameters of the
parameters of PV
ofthe
the
module
PV moduleunder
understudy; for
study; this
for reason,
this the
reason, calculations
the calculationsmade
made apply
applyto PV
to modules
PV modules
PV module under study; for this reason, the calculations made apply to PV modules with powers up with powers
with powers up to
up
65
to W.
65 One
to 65 W. of
W. One
Onetheofinputs
of the of the fuzzy
the inputs
inputs of
of thecontroller
the fuzzy is the change
fuzzy controller
controller isis theof error,
the change which
change of requires
of error, a differentiation
error, which
which requires
requires aa
operation that operation
differentiation
differentiation increases
operationthe complexity
that
that increases
increasesthein
thethe calculations
complexity
complexity in and
inthe can generateand
thecalculations
calculations errors
and canwhen
can measuring
generate
generate errors
errors
small
when powers
whenmeasuring
measuringthatsmall
are sensitive
small powers
powersthatto noise.
that are
aresensitive
sensitiveto tonoise.
noise.
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 12 of 18
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 12 of 18
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 12 of 18
3.
3. Results
Results and
and Discussion
Discussion
3. Results
To and
To test
test theDiscussion
the performance
performance of of the
the PV
PV system,
system, different
different scenarios
scenarios were
were simulated
simulated inin which
which the
the
traditional
traditional P&O
P&O control
control is
is evaluated
evaluated in
in comparison
comparison with
with the
the fuzzy
fuzzy controller.
controller. Four
Four scenarios
scenarios that
that
To test the performance of the PV system, different scenarios were simulated in which the
simulate
simulatesudden
sudden changes in solar
changes irradiance
in solar and operating
irradiance temperature
and operating of the PV
temperature ofmodule
the are presented.
traditional P&O control is evaluated in comparison with the fuzzy controller. FourPV module
scenarios are
that
In all cases, the
presented.sudden following
In all cases, elements
the following were used: 65
elements wereW PV module, 12 V battery, inductor of 416 µH and
simulate changes in solar irradiance and used: 65 W temperature
operating PV module, 12 of Vthe
battery, inductor
PV module of
are
capacitor
416 μH of 500
and µF; with
capacitor of a sampling
500 μF; with frequency
a samplingof frequency
20 KHz forofthe20 dc-dc
KHz converter.
for the dc-dc converter.
presented. In all cases, the following elements were used: 65 W PV module, 12 V battery, inductor of
416 μH
 Case and
Case capacitor
1:1:standard of
standardtest 500 μF; with a sampling frequency of 20 KHz for the dc-dc converter.
conditions
test conditions
 Case
In
In this1:case,
this standard
case,thethetest
two twoconditions
controllers were evaluated
controllers for solarfor
were evaluated irradiance of 1000 W/m
solar irradiance
2 and temperature
of 1000 W/m2 and
of 25 ◦ C. Figure 14a shows the results obtained for the power delivered to the battery with a simulation
temperature of 25 °C.
In this case, the Figure 14a shows were
two controllers the results obtained
evaluated for for theirradiance
solar power delivered
of 1000 to W/m
the battery
2 and
time of 0.03 s.
with a simulation It can be seen that the two controllers extract the maximum power of 65 W with a good
temperature of 25 time of 0.0314a
°C. Figure s. Itshows
can bethe seen that the
results two controllers
obtained for the powerextract the maximum
delivered power
to the battery
stabilization
of 65aW time
with a good of 0.005 s, which is consistent with the results obtained in [15,16]. In Figure 14b, it in
is
with simulation timestabilization
of 0.03 s. It cantimebeofseen
0.005 s, the
that whichtwoiscontrollers
consistent extract
with thetheresults
maximumobtained
power
observed
[15,16]. that the14b,
dutyitcycle of the P&O control
duty presents small oscillations between 0.6926 and 0.7,
of 65 WIn Figure
with a good is observed
stabilization that the
time of 0.005 cycle
s, of the
which P&O control
is consistent presents
with small
the results oscillations
obtained in
in contrast
betweenIn0.6926to the fuzzy control that is stabilized at a value of D = 0.694.
[15,16]. Figureand 14b,0.7, inobserved
it is contrast to thethe
that fuzzy
dutycontrol
cycle ofthat
theisP&O
stabilized
controlatpresents
a value of D = oscillations
small 0.694.
between 0.6926 and 0.7, in contrast to the fuzzy control that is stabilized at a value of D = 0.694.
60 0.702

60
50 0.702
0.7

40
50 0.7
Duty Cycle

0.698
(W) (W)
Power Power

40
30
Duty Cycle

0.698
0.696

30
20
0.696
0.694

20
10
0.694
0.692
P&O
P&O
10
0 Fuzzy Fuzzy
0.692
0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025P&O 0.03 0 0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 P&O 0.035
0 Time (s) Fuzzy Time (s) Fuzzy

0.005 0.01
(a)
0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 0 0.005 0.01 0.015 (b) 0.02 0.025 0.03 0.035
Time (s) Time (s)
(a) (b)
Figure 14.
Figure 14. PV
PVsystem
systemwith
withEiE=i 1000 W/m
= 1000
2 and
W/m 2T = 25T°C.
and (a)◦Output
= 25 power of
C. (a) Output the PV
power ofmodule;
the PV (b) Duty
module;
cycle.
Figure
(b) Duty14.cycle.
PV system with Ei = 1000 W/m and T = 25 °C. (a) Output power of the PV module; (b) Duty
2

cycle.
 Case 2: changes in solar irradiance, temperature of 25 °C
 Case
Case 2:2:changes
changes in solar
solarirradiance, temperature ofof2525◦ C
In this case, the in irradiance,
performance of the temperature °C
controllers was evaluated with an operating temperature of
25 °CIn this
and case,
sudden the performance
changes in solar of the controllers
irradiance. was
Initially, anevaluated
In this case, the performance of the controllers was evaluated withirradiance with an was
signal
an operating temperature
used with
operating of
increments
temperature of
25 ◦ C and sudden changes in solar irradiance. Initially, an irradiance signal was used with increments
of °C
25 200and
W/m 2 , starting
sudden at 200
changes inW/m 2 and endingInitially,
solar irradiance. at 1000 W/m 2 . Changes
an irradiance in irradiance
signal was usedwere
with made every
increments
of 2 , starting at 200 W/m2 and ending at 1000 W/m2 . Changes in irradiance were made every
0.2200
of 200 W/m
s with
W/ma2total simulation
, starting time2of
at 200 W/m and1 sending
(see Figure 15a).
at 1000 W/mSubsequently,
2. Changes in a irradiance
test signal were
with decreases
made everyin
0.2 s
solar with a total
irradiance simulation
between time
1000 of
W/m 21and
s (see Figure
200 W/m 215a).
was Subsequently,
used (see a
Figure test signal
15b). with
0.2 s with a total simulation time of 1 s (see Figure 15a). Subsequently, a test signal with decreases in decreases in
solar 2 and 200 W/m2 was used (see Figure 15b).
solar irradiance
irradiance between
between 1000
1000 W/m
W/m2 and 200 W/m2 was used (see Figure 15b).
1000 1000
800 800
Irradiance
Irradiance

(W/m2)
(W/m2)

600
1000 1000
600
400
800 800
400
Irradiance
Irradiance

(W/m2)
(W/m2)

200
600 200
600
4000 0.8 0.9 4000
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
200 Time (s) 200 Time (s)
0 0 (b)
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 (a)
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0 0.1 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
0.2
Time (s) Time (s)
(a) (b)
Figure 15. (a) Increases in solar irradiance; (b) Decreases in solar irradiance.
Figure 15. (a) Increases in solar irradiance; (b) Decreases in solar irradiance.
Figure 16a shows the output power for increments in the irradiance signal. In general terms it
can be noted
Figure that
16a the two
shows controllers
the output
output powerpresent a good performance
for increments
increments in the in the signal.
the irradiance
irradiance different instants of time.
Figure 16a shows the power for in signal. In
In general
general terms
terms itit
The power obtained is between 11.7 W and 64.9 W, which corresponds to the values
can be noted that the two controllers present a good performance in the different instants of time.presented in
can be noted that the two controllers present a good performance in the different instants of time.
Table
The 2. However,
power obtainedit should be noted that the P&OW,controller presented small oscillations for E i = 200
The power obtained isisbetween
between 11.7
11.7 W and
W and 64.964.9 which
W, which corresponds
corresponds to the to the
values values presented
presented in Tablein 2.
W/m2,2.which
Table is evidenced
However, it shouldinbethe dutythat
noted cycle
theofP&O
Figure 16b, in times
controller between
presented small 0 oscillations
and 0.2 s. for E i = 200
However, it should be noted that the P&O controller presented small oscillations for Ei = 200 W/m2 ,
W/m2, which is evidenced in the duty cycle of Figure 16b, in times between 0 and 0.2 s.
which is evidenced in the duty cycle of Figure 16b, in times between 0 and 0.2 s.
Energies 2017,
Energies 2017, 10,
10, 2036
2036 13 of
13 of 18
18
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 13 of 18
70 1
64.9W
Energies
70 2017, 10, 2036 0.9
1 13 of 18
60 64.9W
0.8
0.9
60 51.3W
50 70 1
0.7
0.8
51.3W 64.9W

Cycle
50 0.9
0.7
0.6
Power (W)

40 60 37.7W

Cycle
0.8
0.6 0.78
Power (W)

37.7W 51.3W 0.5

Duty
40 0.76
50 0.7 0.78
0.5 0.74

Duty
30 0.4 0.76
24.4W 0.72

Duty Cycle
30 0.6 0.74
Power (W)

40 24.4W 37.7W 0.4 0.72 0.7

20 0.3 0.7 0.68
0.78
0.5
0.3 0.68 0.66
0.76
20
11.7W
30 0.2
0.4
0.66
0.74
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 4
10 11.7W 24.4W 0.2 0.72
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 4
10 0.7
Fuzzy 0.1
0.3 0.68 Fuzzy
20 Fuzzy 0.1 Fuzzy
P&O 0.66
P&O
P&O
0 00.1
11.7W P&O 00
0.2 0 0.05 0.1
0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 4
1
0 10 0 0.2
0.1 0.3
0.2 0.30.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.80.8 0.9
0.9 11 00 0.1
0.1 0.20.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.50.6 0.60.7 0.7
0.8 0.8
0.9 0.9
1
TimeTime
(s) (s) Fuzzy 0.1 TimeTime
(s) (s) Fuzzy
P&O P&O
0 (a) (a) 0 (b) (b)
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Time (s) Time (s)
Figure
Figure 16.Output
16. (a) (a) Output
(a) power of the PV module for increases in solar irradiance;
power of the PV module for increases in solar irradiance;(b) (b) Duty cycle.
(b) Duty cycle.
Figure 16. (a) Output power of the PV module for increases in solar irradiance; (b) Duty cycle.
In Figure 17a, the output power for decreases in the irradiance signal is shown. As with the
In Figure 17a, the output power for decreases in the irradiance signal is shown. As with the
In Figure
increase 17a, the
signal, thetwo
output power
controllers for decreases
exhibit in the irradiance
good performance with outputsignal
power is shown.
between 64.9As
Wwith
and the
In Figure
increase signal, the17a,
twothe output power
controllers forgood
exhibit decreases in the irradiance
performance signalpower
with output is shown. As with
between 64.9the
W and
increase
11.7 signal,
W. Figurethe17b
two controllers
shows the dutyexhibit good
cycle, in which performance with
it is noted that theoutput power between
P&O controller presents the64.9 W
increase
11.7 W. signal,
Figure 17b the two
shows controllers
the duty exhibit
cycle, ingood performance
which with output
it is noted that the power between
P&O controller 64.9 W and
presents the
and 11.7
11.7 W. Figure
oscillations
W.that
that 17b
Figure showsthethe
characterize
17b shows
this duty cycle,
method,
duty cycle,
but in which
that
in which
do notitsignificantly
it is is noted
noted that
that the thethe
affect
P&O P&O controller
presentspresents
performance
controller
of the
theof the
oscillations
system. characterize this method, but that do not significantly affect the performance
the oscillations
oscillations that characterizethis
that characterize this method,
method, butbut
thatthat dosignificantly
do not not significantly affect
affect the the performance
performance of the of
system.
the system.
system.
70
64.9W 0.76

70 60 0.75
64.9W
70 0.76
64.9W 51.3W 0.76
0.74
60 50 0.75
60 0.75
51.3W 51.3W 0.73
Power (W)

0.74
Duty Cycle

40 37.7W 0.74
50 50 0.72
0.73
0.73
Power (W)

30
Power (W)

Duty Cycle

37.7W
Cycle

40 40 37.7W 24.4W 0.71

0.72
0.72
20 0.70
Duty

30 30
24.4W 11.7W 0.71
0.71
24.4W 0.69
10
20 Fuzzy 0.70 Fuzzy
20 0.70 P&O
P&O11.7W 0.68
0
10 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 11.7W 0.9 1 0.69 0
0.69 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
10 Time (s) Fuzzy Time (s) Fuzzy
(a) Fuzzy
P&O 0.68 P&O Fuzzy
0 0.68 (b) P&O
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 P&O 0.9
0.8 1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
0 1
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 Time (s)
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4Time (s)0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9
Time (s)(a)
Figure 17. (a) Output
(a)
power of the PV module for decreases in solar irradiance;
(b) Time(b)(s)Duty cycle.
(b)

Figure 17. Output

(a) (a) Output power
power of
ofcasethePV
the PVmodule
module for
for decreases
decreases in solar irradiance; (b) Duty cycle.
Figure
Figure
17.
With 17.
the(a)
tests carried
Output out inof
power the 2,
PVit module
is evident
forthat the twoin
decreases
solar irradiance;
controllers
in exhibit a(b)
solar irradiance;
Duty
similar
(b)
cycle.
Duty behavior
cycle.
for sudden changes in solar irradiance. In addition, it was found that the P&O control has small
With the tests carried out in case 2, it is evident that the two controllers exhibit a similar behavior
oscillations
With thatcarried
the tests do not significantly affect the power delivered to controllers
the battery.
With
for sudden changes in out solarinirradiance.
case 2, it isInevident that
addition, it was two
the two
foundcontrollers exhibit
that the P&O a similar
control behavior
has small

for sudden changes
oscillations
Case 3:that do
changesinnot
solar irradiance.
in significantly
temperature, Inthe
affect
solar
In addition, it1000
power delivered
irradiance
addition, ofit wasW/m
was found
to the
found 2
that the P&O control has small
battery.
oscillations that do not significantly affect
affect the power delivered to 2 the battery.
 Case 3: point,
At this changestheinperformance
temperature, thethe
ofsolar power
irradiance
system delivered
wasof 1000 W/m
evaluated to
for the battery.
sudden changes in temperature
with3:a3:constant solar irradiance of 1000 W/m 2
2. Initially, the signal shown in Figure 18a was used, with
 Case
CaseAtchanges
changes
this ininthe
point, temperature,
performancesolar
temperature, solarirradiance
of the irradiance
system was ofof1000
1000W/m
evaluatedW/mfor2sudden changes in temperature
temperature increases every 0.2 s between 02 °C and 100 °C, for a test time of 1 s. Subsequently, the
with a constant solar irradiance of 1000 W/m . Initially, the signal shown in Figure 18a was used, with
At thisshown
signal point,inthe performance
Figure of the
18b was used, system
with decreases wasinevaluated
temperature forbetween
sudden100 changes
°C and in temperature
0 °C.
temperature increases every 0.2 s between 0 °C 2 and 100 °C, for a test time of 1 s. Subsequently, the
with a constant
constantsolar
solarirradiance
irradianceofof1000
1000 W/m . Initially, the signal shown in Figurewas18a was used,
18b was used, W/m . Initially,inthe signal shown in Figure
100 °C 18a
and 0 °C.used, with
2
signal
100
shown in Figure with decreases ◦ C 100 temperature between
◦ C, for
with temperature
temperature increases
increases everyevery
0.2 s 0.2 s between
between °C 0and
0100°C and
100 100for
°C, testa time
a 75°C test time
of 1 of 1 s. Subsequently,
s. Subsequently, the
Temperature

100°C
Temperature

80 75°C 80
60 60
◦ C and 0 ◦ C.
(°C)
(°C)

50°C
the signal
signal shown
100
40 shown in Figure
in Figure 18b was
25°C 18b was used, used, with decreases
75°Cwith decreases
in temperature
in temperature
100
40 between 100
between 100 °C and 0 °C.
50°C
TemperatureTemperature

100°C 100°C
Temperature

80 20 80
20 25°C
0°C 75°C 0°C
60 60
(°C)

0
(°C)

50°C
0 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
40 0 0.1 0.2 0.3
25°C 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 400 0.3 50°C
20 Time (s) 20 Time (s)
100 0°C 100 25°C 0°C
100°C 100°C
Temperature

(a) 75°C 0 (b)

80 0 80
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 75°C0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
60 60
(°C)
(°C)

50°C
Time (s) Time (s)
40
20
25°C Figure 18.
(a) (a) Increases in temperature;40 (b) 50°C
(b) Decreases in temperature.
20
0°C 25°C 0°C
0
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 Figure
0.4 0.5 18. 0.6
(a) Increases
0.7 0.8 in temperature;
0.9 1 (b)
0 Decreases
0.1 0.2 in 0.3
temperature.
0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
In Figure 19a, the power delivered to the battery is shown, where it is evident the oscillations
Time (s) Time (s)
(a) (b)
and power losses that are obtained with the P&O control. Sudden changes in temperature
In Figure 19a, the power delivered to the battery is shown, where it is evident the oscillations
significantly affect the P&O
Figure (a)control,
18.are whichtemperature;
Increases is confirmed(b)by Decreases
the duty cycle signal shown in Figure 19b.
and power losses that obtained inwith the P&O control. Sudden temperature.
in temperature.
changes in temperature
In contrast, the fuzzy control delivers stable power with duty cycle values that adapt to changes in
significantly affect the P&O control, which is confirmed by the duty cycle signal shown in Figure 19b.
theFigure
In operating temperature
19a, the power ofdelivered
the PV module. With
to thepower the P&O
battery control,
is duty
shown, there it
where areisaverage
evident power
the losses
oscillations
In Figure
In contrast,19a,
thethe
fuzzy control
power deliversto
delivered stable
the batterywith
is shown, cycle
wherevalues
it is that adapt
evident thetooscillations
changes in and
and power
the losses
operating that are
temperature obtained
of the PV with
module. the
With P&O
the P&Ocontrol. Sudden
control, there are changes
power losses that are obtained with the P&O control. Sudden changes in temperature significantlyaverage in
powertemperature
losses
significantly affect the P&O control, which is confirmed by the duty cycle signal shown in Figure 19b.
affect the P&O control, which is confirmed by the duty cycle signal shown in Figure 19b. In contrast,
In contrast, the fuzzy control delivers stable power with duty cycle values that adapt to changes in
the fuzzy control delivers stable power with duty cycle values that adapt to changes in the operating
the operating temperature of the PV module. With the P&O control, there are average power losses
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 14 of 18

temperature
Energiesof the10,PV
2017, 2036module. With the P&O control, there are average power losses of 3.15 14 ofW,
18 2.13 W,

2.84 W, 4.122017,
Energies W and 6.38 W for each of the simulation intervals. The losses were calculated taking
18of 18 as
Energies
of W,10,2.13
3.15 2017, 2036
10, 2036
W, 2.84 W, 4.12 W and 6.38 W for each of the simulation intervals. The losses14were of14
reference the power
calculated takingobtained withthe
as reference the fuzzy
power controller
obtained withfor
the the five
fuzzy operating
controller temperatures
for the five operating between
0 ◦ C and 3.15
of W,
3.15
100 ◦W,
of temperatures
C,2.13
2.13
whichW,W,2.84
2.84W,
W,4.12
4.12 W
correspond Wtoand
and
the6.38 W
W
values for
for each
each of
of
presented the
the
in simulation
simulation
Table 3. intervals.
intervals. The
between 0 °C and 100 °C, which correspond to the values presented in Table 3.
The losses
losses were were
calculatedtaking
calculated takingasasreference
reference the
the power
power obtained
obtained with
withthe
thefuzzy
fuzzycontroller
controllerforfor
thethe
five operating
five operating
temperatures
temperatures
69.9W
between 0 °C and 100 °C, which correspond to the values presented in
between 0 °C and 100 °C, which correspond to the values presented in Table 3.
1 Table 3.
70 0.94
64.9W 0.9
0.83
59.5W
60 0.8
1 0.75
69.9W 54.5W 1
70 69.9W 0.9 0.69 0.94
70 64.9W 48.6W 0.7 0.94
50 64.9W 0.9 0.83
59.5W 0.83

Duty Cycle
60 59.5W 0.8
0.6 0.64 0.75
Power (W)Power (W)

60 54.5W 0.8 0.75

40 54.5W 0.7
0.5 0.69
50 48.6W 0.7 0.69
50 30 48.6W

Duty Cycle
0.6
0.4 0.64

Duty Cycle
0.6 0.64
40
Power (W)

0.5
0.3
40 20 0.5
30 0.4
0.2
30 10 0.4
0.3
0.1 Fuzzy
20 Fuzzy
P&O 0.3 P&O
20 0 0
0.2
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
10 Time (s) 0.2
0.1 Time (s)
Fuzzy Fuzzy
10 (a) (b) P&O
P&O 00.1 Fuzzy
0 Fuzzy
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8P&O 0.9 1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
P&O
0 Time (s) 0 Time (s)
0 0.1 Figure
0.2 19.
0.3 (a) 0.4
Output
0.5(a)power
0.6 of0.7the PV
0.8 module
0.9 para
1 increases
0 0.1 in
0.2 temperature;
0.3 0.4 (b) Duty
(b)0.5 0.6 cycle.
0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Figure 19. (a) Output power
Time (s) of the PV module para increases in temperature; (b) Duty cycle. Time (s)
(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 19. (a) Output
20 shows power
the power of the PVfor
obtained module para increases
decreases in temperature;
in operating (b) Duty
temperature. As incycle.
the scenario
Figure 20Figure
proposed shows 19. the
(a) Output
in Figure power
19,
power
the P&O
of the PV module
obtained
controlfor decreases
presents
para increases in temperature;
in operating
oscillations. The worst
(b) DutyAs
temperature.
scenario occurs
cycle.
in the
when thescenario
Figure 20 shows the power obtained for decreases in operating temperature. As in the scenario
proposed temperature
in Figuredrops fromP&O
19, the 100 °Ccontrol
to 75 °C,presents
where theoscillations.
system does not Thereach stabilization
worst scenario and there are
occurs when the
Figure 20
proposed shows 19,
in Figure thethe
power
◦C
P&Oobtained
control
◦ C,With
for decreases
presents in operating
oscillations. The worsttemperature. As in when
scenario occurs the scenario
the
oscillations
temperature drops between
from 20 W
100 andto 52
75 W. wherethe P&O
the control, does
system there are
not average
reach power losses ofand
stabilization 46.18
there
temperatureFigure
proposed
W, 17.32in
drops 19,
W, 0 W, 1.11
from
W
100P&O
the °C tocontrol
and 1.2 W.
75 °C, where
presents the oscillations.
system does notThereach
worst stabilization and there
scenario occurs whenare the are
oscillations between
oscillations
temperature drops20 from
between W20 and 52
W and
100 °CW.to With
52 W.°C,
75 Withthe P&O
the
where thecontrol,
P&O there
control,does
system arereach
therenot
are average
average power
power losses
losses
stabilization of 46.18
andofthere
46.18 are W,
17.32 W, W,0 W, 1.11
17.32
oscillations W, W
betweenand
0 W, 1.111.2
20 WW.
W and
and1.252W.W. With the P&O
69.9W control,
1
there are average power losses of 46.18
70
64.9W 0.9 0.94
W, 17.32
60
W, 0 W, 1.11 W and
59.5W1.2 W. 0.8
1
0.83 0.75
54.5W 69.9W
70 0.7
48.6W 64.9W 0.9 0.94
50 0.69
59.5W 1 0.83 0.64
0.6
Duty Cycle

60 69.9W 0.8 0.75

Power (W)Power (W)

70 54.5W
40 64.9W 0.9
0.5
0.7
0.94
50 48.6W 0.69
59.5W 0.8 0.83 0.75
60 0.4
0.6 0.64
Duty Cycle

30 54.5W
40 0.7
0.3
0.5
50 48.6W 0.69
20
0.6 0.64
Duty Cycle

30 0.2
0.4
Power (W)

40 10 0.5
0.1
Fuzzy 0.3 Fuzzy
20 P&O P&O
30 0 00.4
0.2
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
10 Time (s) 0.1 Time (s)
Fuzzy 0.3 Fuzzy
20 P&O P&O
0 00.2
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
10
0 0.1 0.2
Figure 0.4
20.0.3(a) Output0.5 0.6
power
Time (s) of0.7the PV
0.8 0.9
module1
for decreases
0.1
in temperature;Time
(b)(s)Duty cycle. Fuzzy
Fuzzy
P&O P&O
0 0
0 0.1 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
0 Figure
0.1 Figure
(a)20.
0.3 (a)0.4
Output0.5 power of the PV module for decreases in temperature; (b) Duty cycle.
0.2 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0.2
Case 4:
20. variations
Output inTime
solar
power
(s) irradiance
of the PVand temperature
module for decreases in temperature; (b) Duty cycle.
Time (s)

 Finally,
Case the
20. performance
4: variations
Figure in solar
(a) Output of the
of system
irradiance
power was
and
the PV evaluated
temperature
module for sudden
for decreases changes (b)
in temperature; in temperature
Duty cycle. and
solar irradiance in different time values between 0 and 1 s, as seen in Figure 21.
Case 4: variations
Finally, the in solar irradiance
performance and temperature
of the system was evaluated for sudden changes in temperature and
 Case 4: variations in solar irradiance and temperature
solar irradiance in 1000
different time values between 0 and 1 s, as seen in Figure 21.
Finally, the performance of of
thethe
system was evaluated for sudden changes in temperature and
(W/m2) (W/m2)

Finally, the performance

800
system was evaluated for sudden changes in temperature and
solar irradiance
solar irradiance in different time values between00and
in different
600
1000
time values between and 11 s, as seen
s, as seenininFigure
Figure21.21.
Irradiance

400
800
200
600
rature (°C) Irradiance

1000 0
400
Irradiance (W/m2)

800
200 (a)
80
600 0 75°C 75°C
60 (a)
400 50°C 50°C
80 50°C
20040
(°C)

75°C 75°C
25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C
Te mpe

60
020 50°C 50°C
Te mpe rature

50°C
40 0°C (a) 0°C
0 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C0°C
80
20 0
Te mpe rature (°C)

0.1 0.2 0.3 75°C 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 75°C 0.9 1
60 0°C Time (s)0°C
0 50°C 50°C
(b) 0°C
40 50°C
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
25°C 25°C
Time (s) 25°C 25°C
Figure 21. Irradiance
20 and temperature signals to(b)evaluate the performance of fuzzy and P&O
0°C
controllers. (a) 0Increases in solar irradiance; (b) Variable0°C temperature. 0°C
Figure 21. Irradiance
0
and temperature
0.1 0.2 0.3
signals
0.4
to 0.5evaluate
0.6
the 0.7
performance
0.8
of
0.9
fuzzy1 and P&O
Time (s)
controllers. (a) Increases in solar irradiance; (b) Variable
(b)
temperature.

FigureFigure 21. Irradiance

21. Irradiance and temperature
and temperature signals
signals to evaluate
to evaluate the performance
the performance of and
of fuzzy fuzzy andcontrollers.
P&O P&O
controllers. (a) Increases in solar irradiance; (b) Variable
(a) Increases in solar irradiance; (b) Variable temperature. temperature.
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 15 of 18
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 15 of 18

For
Forthethedescribed
describedtesttestconditions,
conditions,thethepower
powerobtained
obtainedfromfromthe
thePV
PVmodule
moduleusing
usingfuzzy
fuzzyand
andP&O
P&O
controllers is shown in Figure 22. The results prove that the fuzzy controller tracks
controllers is shown in Figure 22. The results prove that the fuzzy controller tracks the MPP withoutthe MPP without
oscillations
oscillationsand andpower
power losses.
losses.InIn
contrast, thethe
contrast, P&OP&Ocontroller exhibits
controller power
exhibits losses
power and and
losses oscillations for
oscillations
changes in solar
for changes in irradiance and temperature.
solar irradiance The worst
and temperature. Thecase scenario,
worst for the P&O
case scenario, control,
for the P&Oiscontrol,
betweenis
0.3 and 0.40.3
between s when
and 0.4the temperature
s when changes from
the temperature changes 75 ◦50
50 tofrom C with
to 75a°C
solar
withirradiance of 1000 W/m
a solar irradiance 2,
of 1000
inW/m
which
2, inthe power
which oscillates
the power between
oscillates 11.5 and
between 37.5
11.5 andW. The
37.5 W.highest average
The highest power
average losseslosses
power with with
the
P&O control occurred between the times 0.2 s to 0.3 s and 0.3 s to 0.4 s with values
the P&O control occurred between the times 0.2 s to 0.3 s and 0.3 s to 0.4 s with values of 8.52 W and of 8.52 W and
30.48
30.48W,W,respectively.
respectively.

70 P&O
64.9W 69.9W Fuzzy
59.5W
60
54.5W

50

40
Power (W)

39.3W
37.7W 38.1W
30

20
11.7W 11.6W 11.9W
10 11.3W 11.7W

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Time (s)

Figure 22.Output
Figure22. Outputpower
powerofofthe
thePV
PVmodule
modulewith
withthe
thefuzzy
fuzzyand
andP&O
P&Ocontrollers.
controllers.

4.4.Conclusions
Conclusions

InInthis
this paper,
paper, a fuzzy
a fuzzy controller
controller to the
to track track the maximum
maximum power
power point of apoint of a PV
PV module was module
presented,was
presented,
for which their for performance
which their performance
was compared waswith
compared
a P&O with a P&OAll
controller. controller.
components All components
of the PV systemof the
PV system
were modeledwere modeled in Matlab/Simulink
in Matlab/Simulink (PV module, buck (PVconverter,
module,fuzzybuckand converter, fuzzy andIn P&O
P&O controllers). this
controllers).
way, different In testthis way, different
scenarios test scenarios
with signals with signals
of temperature and solarof irradiance
temperature and solar
variables were irradiance
used in
variables
order were used
to evaluate the in order to evaluate
performance of the thePV performance
system. It was of demonstrated
the PV system.that It wasthedemonstrated
fuzzy controller that
thean
has fuzzy controller
excellent has an excellent
performance when there performance
are suddenwhen there
changes in are
the sudden
operating changes in the of
temperature operating
the PV
temperature
module, of the PV
in contrast withmodule, in contrast
P&O control thatwith P&O controlaffected,
is considerably that is considerably
presenting poweraffected, presenting
losses up to
power losses up to 46.18 W. On the other hand, it was also evidenced that in the presence
46.18 W. On the other hand, it was also evidenced that in the presence of variations in solar irradiance of variations
in two
the solarcontrollers
irradiancepresented
the two controllers presented aand
a good performance good performance
extracted and extracted
the maximum powerthe maximum
according to
power
the according
electrical to the electrical
characteristics of the PVcharacteristics
module; although of the
thePV
P&O module;
control although
presented the P&O control
the well-known
presented the
oscillations, well-known
mainly oscillations,
in the sudden changes mainly in the sudden
of irradiance. changes
In this way, theof irradiance. In this way,
main contribution the
of this
main contribution
manuscript of this manuscript
is the guarantee of supplying is the
theguarantee
maximumof supplying
possible powerthetomaximum
a battery possible power
in an off-grid PVto
system, using a fuzzy controller. As future work, in the second stage of the project, the fuzzy controllerof
a battery in an off-grid PV system, using a fuzzy controller. As future work, in the second stage
the be
will project, the fuzzyin
implemented controller will be
the low-cost implemented
Arduino in the
platform; low-cost Arduino
emphasizing platform;
that fuzzy controlemphasizing
offers the
that fuzzyof
advantage control
being offers
easily the advantagein
programmed ofmicrocontrollers.
being easily programmed in microcontrollers.

Acknowledgments: This
Acknowledgments: This work was supported
supported byby the
theVicerrectorí
Vicerrectoría
a dedeInvestigación
Investigaciónof of
thethe Universidad
Universidad del
del Magdalena.
Magdalena.
Author Contributions: Carlos Robles Algarín conceived and modeled the PV module and the fuzzy controller.
Author Contributions: Carlos Robles Algarín conceived and modeled the PV module and the fuzzy controller.
John Taborda Giraldo designed the P&O controller and dc-dc converter. Omar Rodríguez Álvarez contributed in
John Taborda Giraldo designed the P&O controller and dc-dc converter. Omar Rodríguez Á lvarez contributed
the design of the dc-dc converter and data analysis. All authors contributed in writing the manuscript.
in the design of the dc-dc converter and data analysis. All authors contributed in writing the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abbreviations
Vx Open circuit voltage for variable values of solar irradiance and operating temperature.
Energies 2017, 10, 2036 16 of 18

Abbreviations
Vx Open circuit voltage for variable values of solar irradiance and operating temperature.
Ix Short-circuit current for variable values of solar irradiance and operating temperature.
MPP Maximum power point of the PV module.
Pmax Maximum power of the PV module.
Vmpp Voltage at Pmax .
Impp Current at Pmax .
s Number of PV modules connected in series.
p Number of PV modules connected in parallel.
Ei Effective irradiation of the PV module.
EiN Irradiation constant of 1000 W/m2 .
T Temperature of the PV module.
TN Temperature constant of 25 ◦ C.
Tcv Temperature coefficient of voltage.
Tci Temperature coefficient of current.
Voc Open circuit voltage.
Isc Short-circuit current.
Vmax Voltage for irradiations under 200 W and operating temperature of 25 ◦ C.
Vmin Voltage for irradiations over 1200 W and operating temperature of 25 ◦ C.
VL Voltage in the inductor.
RL Internal resistance of the inductor.
Rc Internal resistance of the capacitor.
Ton The on time in the dc-dc converter.
Toff The off time in the dc-dc converter.
Ts Sampling time.
D Duty cycle.
Vs Input voltage in dc-dc converter.
Vdc Transistor voltage in the on mode.
Vd Diode forward voltage.
Vo Output voltage of the dc-dc converter.
∆IL Ripple current in the inductor.
∆IL (+) Ripple current in Ton .
∆IL (−) Ripple current in Toff .
Io Critical output current.
∆Q Charge variation in the capacitor.
∆V Voltage variation in the capacitor.

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