A fuzzy logic controller for maximum power point tracking with 8-bit microcontroller

This paper presents the implementation of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with fuzzy logic controller. For cost consideration, an inexpensive 8-bit microcontroller, PIC16F877A, is selected and programmed with C language and integer variables. For evaluation, the implemented fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is compared with the MPPT controller of using perturbation and observation (P&O). Both types of MPPT controllers are tested on the same voltage source with a series-connected resistor. Experimental results show that the implemented FLC with appropriate design meets the control requirements of MPPT. The FLC based on linguistic fuzzy rules has more flexibility and intelligence than conventional P&O controller, but the FLC spends more RAM and ROM spaces than the P&O tracker does.