Fuzzy logic control for stand-alone photovoltaic energy conversion system, and innovation in renewable energy

Abstract

In this dissertation, simulation and hardware emulation was implemented to experiment the operation of a power regulation system for stand-alone PV system with DC loads using Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC). The system encompasses the functions of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) to bring the power to the maximum value, load power regulation and control of battery operation. An algorithm that tracks the maximum power, and the corresponding fuzzy logic controller were developed. An improved method for the battery operation regulation including a fuzzy logic controller was applied. Load voltage regulation was achieved by a modified cascaded PI controller. The power regulation system managed to stabilize the load power, proved fast MPPT tracking and regulation of the battery operation in the presence of fluctuations and fast input variations. The work included a study of the importance of university-industry collaboration to innovation in renewable energy. The current collaboration channels and the contribution of the current work was analysed through a questionnaire directed to the supervisor.