Self fuzzy-genetic approach for boosting photovoltaic efficiency

Abstract

The generation of power in Photovoltaic systems is reduced when they operate far from their maximum power point. For optimal operation, it is essential to continuously track the maximum power point of the PV solar array. However, identifying the maximum power point is a challenge due to the nonlinear relationship of electrical characteristics of PV panels with external factors. To address this issue, we present a novel design approach for a self-organizing, self-tuning fuzzy logic controller, applied to the problem of maximum power point tracking in photovoltaic systems. We outline the basic structure of the fuzzy logic controller and address the design problems typically associated with conventional trial-and-error schemes. We also discuss the suitability of the genetic algorithm optimization technique for determining and optimizing the fuzzy logic controller design. In our proposed approach, we translate the normalization factors, membership function parameters, and controller policy into bit-strings, which are then processed by the genetic algorithm to find a near-optimal solution. To achieve high dynamic performance, we choose a particular objective function as a performance index. We compare our approach with two variants of the maximum power point algorithm, one based on genetic algorithms and the other based on fuzzy logic, as well as with the methods described in references [34] and [35], in order to evaluate its effectiveness.