Implementation of non-linear controller on photovoltaic maximum power point tracker for energy storage equipment charger

Electrical Eng. Dept. Andalas University – Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: imran@eng.unand.ac.id

Abstract

The portable energy storage system is an infrastructure for providing electrical energy needed to support the recovery process after a natural disaster. This system is a battery arrangement that can be recharged using locally available primary energy sources such as photovoltaic. The main problem in using photovoltaic as the power source for this equipment is to increase the efficiency of power extraction (energy harvesting) during the recharging process. Traditionally, to obtain maximum extraction conditions, conventional linear maximum power point tracker (MPPT) mechanisms such as PID-based MPPT and the like are used. However, if the PV and the storage system works at various locations with environmental conditions behave unusually, the conventional MPPT cannot work accurately and optimally. In this paper, the Fuzzy method for constructing a nonlinear controller-based MPPT was studied. The step size of the tracking process in the conventional MPPT P&O method is modified by involving the fuzzy algorithm. This algorithm then is applied to a DC-DC converter to test the performance criteria such as the response and efficiency of the resulting power extraction. The testing and computer simulations show that the conventional MPPT mechanism can provide prospective results through modification and application of a non-linear controller.