Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithms Performance Comparison for a Grid-Tied Photovoltaic System

The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method is necessary to track the maximum power point (MPP) of the PV system regardless of weather conditions since the photovoltaic (PV) system output power is reliant on solar irradiance and operational temperature. The standard method for the MPPT controller is the perturbation and observation (P&O) algorithm, but it has oscillation problems at the MPP operating point; improving the MPP tracked by this algorithm has been a key area of research. This paper presents the design and modelling of a Type-1 and Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) for tracking the MPP of a PV system in Matlab/Simulink for a 150 W PV system. A comparative analysis of the P&O, Type-1 and Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controllers was conducted under steady and varied solar irradiation conditions. The simulation results indicated the dominance of the Type-2 FLC algorithm in terms of power loss reduction and minimization of distortions at the MPP.