A new MPPT scheme based on a novel fuzzy approach

Abstract

In this paper, after defining Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control expectations, with the aim of finding the optimum routine in fulfilling these expectations, a review over the available MPPT control methods is presented. Throughout the review, by comparing conventional MPPT routines in terms of accomplishing defined control objectives, the necessity of designing a new MPPT control scheme based on adaptive fuzzy logic is expressed. Based on the conducted review, a new routine to optimize the MPPT performance of a Photovoltaic (PV)-setup and to fulfill all the MPPT control requirements is proposed. The optimization is performed in tracking the Maximum Power Point (MPP) of the PV-module by a Boost-converter using an “antecedent-consequent adaptive” indirect fuzzy-based MPPT scheme. The fuzzy-based scheme is tuned online using a novel computationally light membership function tuning routine, where the antecedent and consequent membership functions are tuned synchronously. As a result, a fast, smooth and computationally light MPPT controller is proposed. In this regard, the presented MPPT scheme tuned using the proposed novel tuning routine is compared with conventional direct and indirect fuzzy-based MPPT schemes, showing superiority of the proposed MPPT routine over conventional schemes.