Improved maximum power point tracking algorithm using a Fuzzy Logic Controller for a Photovoltaic System

In this paper, an improved the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in a Photovoltaic (PV) System is designed by using a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC). The objectives of designing the FLC for MPPT in the PV systems are to accelerate the MPPT rate, and to set a smaller oscillating zone around the maximum power point (MPP). The proposed FLC based MPPT adopts a set of variable step sizes with regard to flexible criteria. Also, for the proposed MPPT implementation, a simple Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) algorithm is considered. Experimental results of the proposed FLC based MPPT show that an improvement is observed in terms of tracking of the MPPT, and maximizing of the output power of the PV modules compared to the conventional Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm.