Fuzzy Logic-Based Voltage Controller for Hybrid Off-Grid Pico-Hydropower and Solar Power Generation Systems

Pico-hydropower generators are one of the renewable power sources in a household or community if the supply of electricity seems to be in dire need. Nevertheless, the output voltage that they supply is occasionally unstable and will eventually vary. Therefore, this kind of generator is still needed to be regulated. Voltage regulators are devices used to control such problems in the power system and ascertain that such phenomenon is prevented. This study is developed in order to provide a voltage controller using fuzzy logic algorithm that regulates the terminal voltage of the generator. The fuzzy logic algorithm was implemented through the Fuzzy Logic Toolbox in MATLAB and Arduino. Fuzzy Logic offers a flexible parameter for the system as it can tell how true the input signal is by setting a reference and an error code to supply a steady current to the field winding causing enough flux density to be generated proportional with the voltage output. This voltage controller will significantly regulate the output voltage of the generator for more efficient and much safer use.