Toward optimal control of solar energy systems

A simple solar system control technique developed under a National Science Foundation grant at Colorado State University, together with several considerations for implementation, is the subject of this paper. One of the objectives is to emphasize that the overriding feature in micro-processor control development is simplicity, both in concept and implementation. In the application being considered, this is tied closely with realistic modelling of the system and its variables. The real question then is a mathematical one, which is the main focus of this paper. The development goals of the controller treated in this paper include cost effectiveness, stability, flexibility, adaptability, and predictability. Although these characteristics are achieved at the expense of additional system hard-ware requirements, the balance appears to be well in favor of the controller treated here.