An efficient approach for parameter estimation of PV model using DE and fuzzy based MPPT controller

Photovoltaic (PV) panel can be represented by an equivalent electric circuit where the major problem with this PV model is the determination of the model parameters. In this paper, PV parameter estimation problem is converted to an optimization problem where Differential Evolution (DE) as an efficient optimizing technique is employed to estimate the model parameters at standard test condition (STC) (1000 W/m2 and 25°C) using the data provided by the manufacturer. A complete equivalent electric circuit model of the PV panel is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink and estimated parameters values are verified by comparing the determined I-V curves with the experimental data given in the data sheet. The developed PV model has been examined under different operating conditions and its accuracy has been verified. An efficient maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller based on the Fuzzy Logic is also proposed. Analysis and comparison shows that the FLC based controller is more efficient and overcome the shortcomings of the conventional methods.