The design, management and testing of a solar vehicle's energy strategy

In recent years the interest in implementing solar energy on vehicles (electrical and hybrid) has grown significantly [1]. There are currently limitations in this sector, such as the low energy density (efficiency of conversion) of this source, but it is still a renewable resource and as such, there is a growing interest [1]. A “smart” energy strategy implemented on a solar/electrical vehicle, in order to increase its energy harvesting volume, could enhance the growth of this sector. A tracking algorithm for a solar vehicle’s MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) can be designed to source solar energy very effectively and to increase the speed of finding (tracking) this optimal sourcing point (solar panel voltage and current). Even though there are many different MPPT algorithms, it was decided that most of them were designed for stationary MPPT applications and the dynamics of implementing a MPPT on a vehicle create some unique scenarios. These include: Shadow flicker. This is rhythmic, rapid moving shadows across a solar panel, such as shadows from a line of trees: Rapid changes in solar panel orientation due to the road surface/relief; Rapid changes in panel temperature due to the location of the vehicle. The aim of the research can be divided into three outcomes: 1 Creating a “Smart” energy strategy/control, 2 Implement the new control system on a solar vehicle’s MPPT, and 3 Harvesting maximum energy from solar panels using the new energy strategy. The term “smart” is used to indicate the ability of the MPPT algorithm to be updated and improved based on previous results. A MPPT and scaled solar vehicle is designed and manufactured in order to test the MPPT algorithm. The purpose of using a self-developed experimental setup is to have more control over the system variables as well as having the maximum freedom in setting up the system parameters

Fuzzy logic control for stand-alone photovoltaic energy conversion system, and innovation in renewable energy

ii, 141 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cmIncludes abstract and appendices.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-138).In this dissertation, simulation and hardware emulation was implemented to experiment the operation of a power regulation system for stand-alone PV system with DC loads using Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC). The system encompasses the functions of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) to bring the power to the maximum value, load power regulation and control of battery operation. An algorithm that tracks the maximum power, and the corresponding fuzzy logic controller were developed. An improved method for the battery operation regulation including a fuzzy logic controller was applied. Load voltage regulation was achieved by a modified cascaded PI controller. The power regulation system managed to stabilize the load power, proved fast MPPT tracking and regulation of the battery operation in the presence of fluctuations and fast input variations. The work included a study of the importance of university-industry collaboration to innovation in renewable energy. The current collaboration channels and the contribution of the current work was analysed through a questionnaire directed to the supervisor