Fuzzy optimisation based control of a solar array system

The authors describe the analysis, modelling and implementation of a fuzzy based photovoltaic peak power tracking system. The maximum power of a photovoltaic system changes with temperature, solar intensity and load. An analytical model is built for the solar cell on the basis of the manufacturer´s characteristics. The solar panel is integrated with the converter model and a fuzzy algorithm is developed, so as to perform an online search procedure to track the maximum power continuously. The system is implemented by an inexpensive RISC microcontroller. Experimental results have shown excellent performance, robustness with parameter variation and modularity for parallel operation at higher power. The system is ready and easy to fit into existing installations