Implementation of a fuzzy controlled buck-boost converter for photovoltaic systems

Man's growing demand for energy calls for an increase in energy supply. Since burning of fossil fuels produces harmful chemicals, finding new sources of power such as renewable energy is encouraged. This study aims to implement a DC/DC Buck-Boost converter with fuzzy logic controller for photovoltaic systems. In this study, use of a solar panel was integrated in the design of a buck-boost converter with a fuzzy logic controller was considered. The researchers used a microcontroller which measures the input and output voltages of the system and conducted experiments in which it was determined that when the voltage reading of the solar panel is 20 V, buck mode is operated and when the voltage reading of the panel is at least 3 V - 10 V, boost mode is operated. In the actual application of the buck-boost converter, the researchers verified that at a particular time of operation, the converter was not able to boost the voltage higher due to very small input current. For the 6 V, 9 V and 12 V batteries, the recorded voltage ranges for state of charge from 0% - 100% are 6.03 V - 7.2 V, 8.4 V - 9.54 V and 11.9 V - 12.92 V, respectively.