Hybrid MPPT technique using fuzzy logic and P&O of solar power system
Hybrid MPPT technique using fuzzy logic and P&O of solar power system
Karima Et-Torabi1, Souhail Barakat1, Badr N’hili1, Abdelouahed Mesbahi1, Ayoub Nouaiti2
1
Laboratory of Energy and Electrical Systems, ENSEM, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
2
Department of Electrical Engineering, EST, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
Corresponding Author:
Karima Et-Torabi
Laboratory of Energy and Electrical Systems, ENSEM, Hassan II University of Casablanca
7 km El Jadida Road, 8118, Oasis, Casablanca, Morocco
Email: [email protected]
1. INTRODUCTION
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms are a key component of photovoltaic systems,
enabling their efficiency and energy production to be optimized by adjusting the operating point of the solar
panels in real time. The main goal of using MPPT is to ensure optimal power extraction from photovoltaic
(PV) modules regardless of environmental factors, particularly variations in irradiance and temperature.
Previous studies have highlighted several MPPT strategies, including the incremental conductance method
[1], [2], and perturb and observe (P&O) [3], [4]. However, these methods have notable limitations. The
operation of PV modules requires nonlinear current-voltage characteristics when disconnected from
temperature influences. Additionally, works on fuzzy logic (FL) [5], [6], artificial neural networks (ANN)
[7], [8], genetic algorithms (GA) [9], [10], and hybrid models of these approaches are also available.
The traditional P&O method often shows inefficiencies under rapidly changing environmental
conditions like fluctuations in solar irradiance and temperature. By combining fuzzy logic with a variable
step size strategy, the FLC-P&O technique aims to increase accuracy and efficiency in optimizing electrical
power. strategy is a popular technique, valued for its fluidity and flexibility of integration. However, it often
fails under rapid environmental changes. To improve upon these shortcomings, we propose a modified P&O
technique with a changeable step size informed by the application of fuzzy logic. This approach enhances
MPPT accuracy and minimizes steady-state voltage oscillations, offering improved performance in varying
atmospheric conditions. Previous studies have suggested modified P&O MPPT techniques to address the
limitations of the standard P&O technique [11], [12]. According to [13], the advanced P&O control
incorporates an FLC, which regulates the DC-DC converter by using power and current variations as inputs
and duty cycle adjustments as outputs. Yüksek and Mete [14] introduce a P&O-based MPPT technique
featuring an adaptive step size tailored for photovoltaic systems, where the step size is dynamically modified
in each cycle based on the power difference. A fuzzy MPPT controller is presented in [15] that uses two
inputs: the PV voltage's fixed perturbation step size and the real-time instantaneous slope of the PV power.
A fuzzy MPPT controller with error (E) and variation of error (∆E) as inputs and a single output that
represents the duty cycle change is examined in [16]-[18].
This paper introduces a modified P&O technique using a changing step size based on fuzzy logic for
tracking maximum power under diverse weather conditions. The fuzzy logic controller reduces oscillations
around the MPP using a two-input fuzzy logic controller based on (ΔPpv) and (ΔVpv) to search for a variable
voltage step size. Through a comparative analysis, this paper aims to demonstrate which technique, the
adjustable step size FLC-P&O MPPT controller or the constant step size P&O conventional MPPT
controller, performs better.
The study is organized as follows: i) Section 2 elucidates the principle P&O MPPT system technique
with presents a suggested hybrid FLC-P&O MPPT technique; ii) Section 3 details the modeling of the PV panel
and boost converter; iii) Sections 4 and 5 illustrate the simulation observations, discussions, and conclusions.
2. PROPOSED MPPT
2.1. P&O MPPT
The perturb and observe technique is employed in photovoltaic systems to identify the MPPT,
continuously adjusting the operating voltage to maximize power output. Periodically, the algorithm modifies
the voltage and tracks how it affects power output; if the new power surpasses the previous value, it keeps
going in that way; otherwise, it reverses. Although this method requires a constant step size, voltage
adjustment remains the core process. This is generally the most prevalent method used for MPPT. Figure 1
illustrates the schematic for P&O MPPT [5], [19].
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Hybrid MPPT technique using fuzzy logic and P&O of solar power system (Karima Et-Torabi)
1064 ISSN: 2088-8694
(a) (b)
(c)
Figure 4. Membership functions for suggested fuzzy controller: (a) ΔPpv, (b) ΔVpv, and (c) ∆D
The fuzzy controller determines the changeable step size (∆D) using two input variables. The
differential voltage and differential power used by the FLC are calculated using (1) and (2).
To perform inference, Mamdani’s Max-Min composition method is applied. Defuzzification is executed via
the center-of-gravity method, converting the fuzzy subset of the variable-step-size into real integers, as
demonstrated by (3) [20], [21].
∑𝑛
𝑗=1 𝜇(𝛥𝐷𝑗 )∗𝛥𝐷𝑗
𝛥𝐷 = ∑𝑛
(3)
𝑗=1 𝜇 (𝛥𝐷𝑗 )
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Figure 5. One-diode equivalent circuit Figure 6. Equivalent circuit of the boost converter
Where PMPPT: output power of the photovoltaic system using the MPPT controller, and Pmax: maximum
possible output power of the PV system at MPP.
To evaluate the suggested FLC-P&O MPPT technique under a variable irradiance profile with
ramp-up and ramp-down conditions, a test was conducted at T = 25 °C, as depicted in Figure 10. The
irradiance begins at 400 W/m² and remains constant for the first 0.5 seconds. It then decreases to 150 W/m²
between 0.5 and 1.5 seconds. After 1.5 seconds, the irradiance rises to approximately 250 W/m² before
gradually declining to 200 W/m².
Figures 11 and 12 depict the PV output current for the suggested FLC-P&O MPPT and a P&O
MPPT with constant step size of value 0.04. The suggested MPPT controller has a quicker transient response
without oscillations. Figure 13 shows the output power of P&O and the suggested FLC-P&O when
irradiances change. In the first case (25 °C, 400 W/m2), the PV system achieved a maximum power output of
96.4 Watts, corresponding to the envisaged maximum power. Subsequently, at 25 °C and 200 W/m 2, The PV
system attained its planned optimal power of 48.6 Watts. Therefore, simulation results indicate that under
abrupt changes in solar radiation conditions, the PV system converges very accurately to its optimal power.
By integrating FLC and P&O techniques, the suggested approach benefits from the strengths of both
Hybrid MPPT technique using fuzzy logic and P&O of solar power system (Karima Et-Torabi)
1066 ISSN: 2088-8694
techniques. Table 2 summarizes the calculated efficiency, oscillation level, and response time during sudden
increase in irradiation. In contrast to conventional P&O, when fluctuations of 1.5 W peak-to-peak power are
maintained, the suggested MPPT shows reduced power oscillation, confirming the resolution of conflicts
between dynamic response and steady-state oscillation.
Figure 8. (I-V) Characteristics curves for PV with Figure 9. (P-V) Characteristic curves for PV
various Irradiations with various Irradiations
Figure 10. Solar radiation variation Figure 11. Waveform of output current for P&O and
FLC-P&O techniques
Figure 12. Waveform of the output voltage for P&O Figure 13. Waveform of the output power for P&O
and FLC-P&O techniques and FLC-P&O techniques
Table 2. Summarizes the comparison of the suggested FLC-P&O technique with the traditional P&O technique
Techniques Oscillation level Efficiency (%) Response time to sudden irradiation increases
Conventional P&O technique 3W 92.50 Medium
FLC technique [22] 8W 96.50 Slow
suggested FLC-P&O technique Neglected 98.99 fast
The results presented in Figure 14 reveal that the suggested MPPT is more precise than other MPPT
techniques in tracking the MPP in different weather conditions. The findings demonstrate that the FLC-P&O
MPPT achieves the fastest convergence time to reach a steady state. One of the significant challenges in solar
systems is the fluctuation of output power in unstable atmospheric conditions. The P&O technique exhibits
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greater fluctuations and instability in the waveform, indicating less efficient tracking of the MPP under
varying conditions, whereas the FLC-P&O technique displays more stable waveforms, suggesting more
accurate and efficient tracking with reduced fluctuations near the MPP.
Fuzzy logic can be implemented on advanced microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, Raspberry Pi), though
computational demands may require higher-performance processors. Sensor accuracy and calibration are
crucial for reliable operation. To ensure real-time processing, the fuzzy logic rules can be optimized by
reducing the complexity of calculations. This will enable efficient MPPT performance while maintaining
accuracy. Additionally, minimizing energy consumption, especially for embedded systems powered by
renewable sources. Additionally, scaling to larger systems (e.g., photovoltaic farms) introduces challenges
like system synchronization and multi-controller coordination. With these considerations, fuzzy logic proves
to be a practical, and efficient approach for MPPT implementation.
Figure 14. Evaluation of the suggested technique versus the traditional technique under step-variation
irradiance conditions
5. CONCLUSION
The suggested FLC-P&O technique has been tested by simulation and evaluated using
MATLAB/Simulink, demonstrating considerable enhancements in response time, efficiency, and a decrease
in power oscillations surrounding the MPPT in contrast to the typical P&O approach. By incorporating fuzzy
logic with the P&O algorithm, the system can automatically adjust the step size, leading to quicker and more
precise MPPT. With the suggested FLC-P&O approach, the MPPT's tracking efficiency rises from 96.80% to
98.99%. and achieves minimal fluctuations around the operating point compared to the standard P&O
technique. The performance comparison indicates that the suggested technique offers adaptive and variable
step size operation, exceptional flexibility in design optimization, minimal output power fluctuations, and
faster tracking times relative to the conventional P&O technique.
FUNDING INFORMATION
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or
not-for-profit sectors.
Name of Author C M So Va Fo I R D O E Vi Su P Fu
Karima El-Torabi ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Souhail Barakat ✓ ✓ ✓
Badr N’hili ✓ ✓ ✓
Abdelouahed Mesbahi ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Ayoub Nouaiti ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Hybrid MPPT technique using fuzzy logic and P&O of solar power system (Karima Et-Torabi)
1068 ISSN: 2088-8694
DATA AVAILABILITY
The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding
author, [KE]. The data, which contain information that could compromise the privacy of research
participants, are not publicly available due to certain restrictions.
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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS
Karima Et-Torabi was born in 1992 in Morocco. She obtained her bachelor's
degree in electronics in 2013 from Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco, and
her master’s degree in research on Materials and Radiation, Energy, and Environment in
2015 from the same university. In 2019, she joined the Hassan II University of Casablanca,
ENSEM, Morocco, as a Ph.D. candidate at the Laboratory of Energy and Electrical
Systems. Her research interests include renewable energy systems, intelligent algorithms,
and electronic engineering. She can be contacted at email: [email protected].
Hybrid MPPT technique using fuzzy logic and P&O of solar power system (Karima Et-Torabi)