15EC496L- Project Report

On

A NOVAL APPROACH TO IMPLEMENT THE

MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING USING
FUZZY LOGIC
Submitted for partial fulfilment for the award of the degree

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
In

ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

Submitted By

N.MUVINESH (RA1511004040042)

S.SUDHARSUN (RA1511004040066)

V.L. MANJUSHA (RA1511004040079)

Under the guidance of

Ms.P.SUMATHY

(Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication

Engineering)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYY , VADAPALANI
CAMPUS
CHENNAI-600 026
May 2019
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report titled “A NOVAL APPROACH TO IMPLEMENT THE
MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING USING FUZZY LOGIC” is the bonafied work of
N.MUVINESH (RA1511004040042), S.SUDHARSUN (RA1511004040066) &
V.L.MANJUSHA (RA1511004040079) who carried out the project work under my
supervision as a batch. Certified further, that to the best of my knowledge the work reported
herein does not from any other project on the basis of which a degree or award was conferred
on an earlier occasion for this or any other candidate.

Incharge Head of the Department

Ms.P.SUMATHY Dr. C. Gomathy,
Assistant Professor Professor and Head,
Department of ECE, Department of ECE,
SRM IST, Vadapalani SRM IST, Vadapalani

Date:

Submitted for IST Examination held in April 2019 at SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY, Vadapalani, Chennai-600 026.

Date: Internal Examiner External

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 6

CHAPTER 2: MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING .......................................................................... 7

CHAPTER 3: COMPONENTS.................................................................................................................... 10

CHAPTER 4: ALGORITHMS .................................................................................................................... 18

CHAPTER 5: FUZZY LOGIC .................................................................................................................... 21

CHAPTER 6: HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION ................................................... 22

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 0.1 MPPT ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 1.0.1 Simple Ideology of MPPT .................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2.0.1 MPPT implementation Figure 2.0.2 MPPT implementation .................... 7
Figure 2.0.3 MPPT Designing .................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 2.0.4 Fuzzy Logic Designing .......................................................................................................... 8
Figure 2.0.5 Schematic for Hardware Implementation .......................................................................... 9
Figure 3.0.1 Arduino NANO .................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 3.2.1 DC-DC Buck Converter ...................................................................................................... 11
Figure 4.0.1 Perturb and Observe Algorithm ........................................................................................ 18
Figure 6.0.1 PCB Layout Preparation .................................................................................................... 22
Figure 6.0.2 Breadboard implementation ............................................................................................ 23
 ABSTRACT

This project provides a neoteric approach to track the point at which

maximum power can be drawn or utilized from a PV cell connected to a load.
Besides the conventional existing methodologies, fuzzy logic can be used for
more efficient and accurate implementation. With the help of this technique, it
is possible to enhance power consumption and production which is having great
attention in current world requirements. Fuzzy logic provides good accuracy by
manipulation the converted partial values of current or voltage and providing a
correlative algorithm to anticipate the maximum power point. Moreover
using a renewable source to its fullest extent is more beneficial as far as cost,
effects, and complexity are taken into account. Therefore, the construction of
such systems using microcontrollers could be a great opening towards the
power consumption and the technological era.

Figure 0.1 MPPT

 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

In India, more than 400 million people in rural areas have no access to
electricity, the existing electric grids are incapable of satisfying the need of
electricity all over the country.

Non-renewable resources that are currently being used for generating electricity
are substantially subjected to depletion which calls for an urgent need for
renewable resources such as solar power, wind power, tidal power etc.

Renewable energy gives clean and inexpensive ways of generating power

without the fear of running out of energy. This project is initiated to improve the
socio-economic conditions of the rural areas and bring in changes to their
lifestyle with efficient and uninterrupted electricity supply.

In the modern world, demand for renewable energy is rising and its usage is
becoming a must in order to satisfy the requirements and fulfil the slot to
alternate non-renewable energy sources.

With the invention of various energy harnessing techniques using natural energy
sources such as sun, wind, water etc, it is made possible to meet the
requirements and provide cost-effective non-exhaustive power resources.

Figure 1.0.1 Simple Ideology of MPPT

 CHAPTER 2: MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING

MPPT is a technology used to function the PV cell at an operating point

where maximum efficiency and finest performance is obtained considering the
various factors.

The solar panel has an internal resistance which changes with respect to
irradiance and temperature. The cell delivers its rated power only at a specific
load and voltage and this, in turn, depends on the varying intensity of sunlight.

As long as the load matches with the internal resistance, maximum power can be
drawn. If the load is great or lesser than the internal resistance of the solar cell
then the cell delivers the power lesser than the rated power. Therefore, it is
important to match the load with the internal resistance which can be done using
a buck-boost converter which varies its duty cycle to track the maximum power
point tracking.

This concept is inspired to bring change in the limited power supply in rural areas
and make the most of the renewable resources which are perennially available in
ample amounts.

Figure 2.0.1 MPPT implementation Figure 2.0.2 MPPT implementation

 Figure 2.0.3 MPPT Designing

Figure 2.0.4 Fuzzy Logic Designing

Figure 2.0.5 Schematic for Hardware Implementation
 CHAPTER 3: COMPONENTS

3.1 Arduino Nano

Arduino Nano is a compact, flexible, microcontroller board which is

breadboard friendly, developed by Arduino.cc in Italy. Its functionality is very
similar to Arduino UNO except this comes in a much smaller size.

The operating voltage is 5V and the input voltage can vary from 7 to 12V. It
contains 14 digital pins, 8 analog Pins, 2 Reset Pins & 6 Power Pins.

The only drawback of Arduino Nano is that it does not come with a DC power
jack forcing us to give the power externally using a battery. It is the most preferred
choice because of its compatibility and its breadboard friendly nature.

Figure 3.0.1 Arduino NANO

This is used for fuzzy logic implementation and MPPT manipulation. This is the
heart of the entire system which has good capabilities and features.
3.2 Buck Converter

Buck converter is basically a DC-to-DC power converter that acts as a step

down for the voltage from the input to the load. It typically comes under switched-
mode-power supply (SMPS) which contains two semiconductors, diode,
transistor, capacitor or inductor or both.

Figure 3.0.2.1 DC-DC Buck Converter

Buck converter is very efficient in terms of converting main supply voltages to

the required low voltages. The relationship between the current and the voltage
of the inductor can best describe the working of the buck converter.
Figure 3.2.2 Datasheet of Buck converter
3.3 Current sensor (ACS712)

This is an accurate current measuring sensor that can measure AC/DC

current up to 20A. This sensor can estimate high mains current accurately and it
operates at 5V. This gives analog voltage as the output which is proportional to
the current measured at the terminals. The readings can be read by using the
microcontroller ADC. The current sensor is used to repeatedly monitor the output
current value obtained from the converter for comparison and calibration.

Figure 3.0.3.1 Current Sensor

Figure 3.3.2 Datasheet of ACS712

3.4 MOSFET (IRFZ44N)

This is a unique type of advanced power MOSFET designed specifically to

handle massive power levels. High-speed switching and efficiency are the added
advantages at lower voltages.

Figure 3.0.4.1 MOSFET

 Figure 3.4.2 Datasheet of MOSFET

3.5 MOSFET Driver (IR2104)

MOSFET driver is a high-speed power Mosfet and IGT driver with high
voltage, which depends on high and low side referenced output channels.
Minimum driver cross-conduction is obtained with the help of these output
drivers.
 Figure 3.0.5 MOSFET Driver

3.6 Linear regulator (AMS117)

These are a series of fixed and adjustable voltage regulators that provides
up to 10A current. Its vital advantages are low dropout voltage, on-chip thermal
limiting, load regulation of 0.2% and optimized for low voltage.

3.7 Hand-wounded inductor

Toroidal core and magnetic wire are used to make this inductor by winding
the magnetic wire over the toroidal core, these are in the shape of a donut or a
ring. The toroid is made from 50% nickel and 50% iron powder or ferrite alloy.
It has higher magnetic field, inductance and Q factor than the normal inductors
due to its wound nature into a closed-loop.
Along with these major components, other discrete components like
inductors, resistors, capacitors, LCD display, MOSFETs, regulators and
comparators are used.
Figure 3.7 Toroidal core wounded Inductor
 CHAPTER 4: ALGORITHMS

Maximum Power Point Tracking should be continuous process. Iterations

can be done by software algorithms. Usually to find a maximum quantity, we will
be finding difference. When the difference is positive, then it is said to be
maximum and it is minimum when the difference turns negative. Similarly,
algorithms originate from this ideology. Out of many algorithms, we picked out
some efficient and interesting algorithms to explain about it.

4.1 Perturb and Observe

Perturb and Observe is the basic algorithm invented to find maximum

power point. This algorithm is used extensively to implement MPPs and construct
MPP applications. It measures the MPP using a conventional method and
compares it with the next set of readings measured. It will increase the voltage
when there is an MPP occurrence and decrease for the other case.

Figure 4.0.1 Perturb and Observe Algorithm

 This algorithm is simple and robust to implement. Although many
advantages are there, disadvantages equalise it. This algorithm never let stay the
module in maximum point rather oscillating as the sun’s irradiance. Flies do
contribute in disturbance while it is flying through the solar panel.

4.2 Fractional Open Circuit Voltage

Fractional Open Circuit Voltage is improved from the basic ideology that
the MPP of a solar panel is always proportional to the open circuit voltage. The
Voltage reference and Open circuit voltage are formulated using the below
formula,

𝑽𝒓𝒆𝒇 = 𝒌𝑽𝒐𝒄 , where k is the constant of proportionality

Most of the times the k is found equal to 0.76. This is a fixed ratio framed
empirically by our references.

4.3 Incremental Conductance

Incremental Conductance is a very effective than the above algorithm. To

make it effective than the P&O is that it predicts the MPP using instantaneous
rate of change of Power with respect to the Voltage formulation. The formulae
are given below,

𝑑𝐼 𝐼 𝑑𝑃
= − & = 0, when Panel output is at MPP.
𝑑𝑉 𝑉 𝑑𝑉

𝒅𝑰 𝑰 𝒅𝑷
= − & < 𝟎, when Panel output is above MPP.
𝒅𝑽 𝑽 𝒅𝑽

𝒅𝑰 𝑰 𝒅𝑷
= − & > 𝟎, when Panel output is below MPP.
𝒅𝑽 𝑽 𝒅𝑽

Here the derivative dI/dV and -I/V is the foundation of the equations measuring
MPP. It will be stable unless like the perturb and observe oscillating back and
forth between the irradiance values. This method drastically improves the power
efficiency and optimizes the energy output levels.

Figure 4.3 Incremental Conductance Algorithm

 CHAPTER 5: FUZZY LOGIC

Fuzzy logic is a process of computing the truth values of a variable from

logic 0 to logic 1 based on a set of rules defined. It makes use of linguistic
variables called as fuzzy sets.

In this project, fuzzy logic is utilised to convert the given inputs to the fuzzy
form, process the fuzzy control using the rules and conditions, and de-fuzzify
these values back to normalized values. The main reason for such kind of
approach is to improve efficiency and accuracy.

The above figure shows the block diagram of the process where MPPT is
performed using the fuzzy logic. Here the initial inputs are normalised and
fuzzified using rules that are designed according to the requirements.

At the output end, defuzzification is done to get back the normalised values. On
obtaining these values, feedback control is functioned based on the algorithm
shown below fig (5.1) where the comparison is done based on the power gradient
by manipulating the current or voltage values and MPPT is fixed when a
particular power gradient is obtained.
 CHAPTER 6: HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION

Hardware implementation involves designing of the final circuit through

one of the available software. Here we used Proteus Software which is an EDA
tool used for creating PCB Layout design. It costed us time and we had many
challenges testing our circuit by implementing through breadboard. From the
design front we have worked tirelessly to attain minimal damage to the circuits
when implemented through the PCB.

6.1 Proteus Software

Proteus Software was first originated under Labcenter Electronics Ltd in

the year 1988 which served for DOS systems. Schematic Capture Support, SPICE
Simulation, Microcontroller Simulation are lately added to the software making
it a powerful EDA tool.

Figure 6.0.1 PCB Layout Preparation

6.2 Breadboard Implementation

Implementing the same using a breadboard is the primary task. Prevention

of the exquisite components is the foremost challenge. For that we have to place
resistors and capacitors across to prevent undesirable damages. Further this
implementation is divided into sub modules and tested stepwise.

Figure 6.0.2 Breadboard implementation

6.2.1 Testing Gate drivers and MOSFETs

Why it is necessary to test Gate drivers and MOSFETs is the initial

thoughts for us too. Testing and debugging the errors are always beneficial in
order to get better and error free circuit. MOSFET is used for switching purpose
and placed before the Buck Converter. Purpose of the MOSFET involves
allowing and restricting the current to charge and discharge the inductors and
capacitors. Gate drivers are used to regulate the MOSFETs to switch between
highs and lows. As mentioned, before we have used IR2104 half bridge driver.
The input to the Driver is a digital PWM signal from the microcontroller.

Figure 6.2.1 MOSFET driver connections

6.2.2 Testing Buck Converter

Buck converter is used to weaken the input to drive a minimal power

device. In other words, an output from the solar cell at maximum power point
needs to be weakened to drive a USB charger to charge a phone. Testing a buck
converter involves estimated power output for a given input using the formula,

Vout = Duty Cycle x Vin

From this we can ensure that buck converter is working fine. Buck converter is
also available as a packaged IC and numbered as LM2596 DC-DC. We first
worked with the hand winded inductor and capacitor. For fabrication purpose
we decided to move for a packaged LM2596 IC.

6.2.3 Voltage and Current Measurement

Voltage measurement involves testing the voltage divider circuit in the

schematic (fig). We formulated the voltage divider circuit using standard
formulas and shown below,
 Vout = R2/(R1+R2) x Vin,

Vin = (R1+R2)/R2 x Vout

Arduino Nano is responsible for generating the analog signal as it outputs 0 for
0V and 1023 for 5V. As because analog signals oscillate from 0-5V.

Current measurement is made easy by connecting a packaged IC

ACS712. ACS712 is a hall effect sensor and the corresponding current rating is
5A. This IC converts the current values observed into a voltage value. There is a
voltage sensitivity to this IC. There is a test code in order to check the current
sensor working.

Figure 6.2.3 Voltage and current measurement

6.2.4 Final Implementations

Finally, sub-modules are checked and tested for any sort of cautious
behaviours, malfunctions of IC’s, mismatching of specifications and ready to
face a 50W solar powered array for tracking peak power. The final schematic as
shown in fig () is connected in breadboard and the inputs are given from the
solar panel which delivers a 50W power output to measure a MPP.
 Figure 6.2.4 Final Implementation

Figure 6.2.5 Output from a Digital Storage Oscilloscope

6.3 MATLAB and Simulink

MATLAB and Simulink made an entry and to make things easy to learn
and implement the same. Simulink is a hardware support software used to
simulate electronic circuits. Simscape electrical is a product by Mathworks to
assist with the power electronic converters and power grids. It’s a similar
software to PSPICE in constructing models.
Figure 6.3.1 Simulink Simulation
 Figure 6.3.3 Simulation outputs

Figure 6.3.2 Simulation outputs

Figure 6.3.4 Simulation outputs

Algorithm used in Simulink simulation is “Incremental Conductance”. Simulink

do support rich and extensive examples about MPPT and are free to everyone.
This made us easy to learn the characteristics and made us study stress free.