A comparison of fuzzy logic and PID controller for a single-axis solar tracking system

• Published in: Renewables : wind, water, and solar Vol. 3; no. 1
• Main Authors: Kiyak, Emre, Gol, Gokhan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Singapore 25.02.2016
• Subjects: Economics and Management; Energy; Energy Policy; Energy Systems; Original Research Article; Renewable and Green Energy; Water Industry/Water Technologies; PID controller; Energy efficiency; Fuzzy controller; Solar tracking system
• ISSN: 2198-994X; 2198-994X
• DOI: 10.1186/s40807-016-0023-7

Proportional integral derivative controllers are widely used in industrial processes because of their simplicity and effectiveness for linear and nonlinear systems. The fuzzy controller is the most suitable for the human decision-making mechanism, providing the operation of an electronic system with decisions of experts. In addition, using the fuzzy controller for a nonlinear system allows for a reduction of uncertain effects in the system control. In this study, a proportional integral derivative controller and a fuzzy logic controller are designed and compared for a single-axis solar tracking system using an Atmel microcontroller. According to the angle of solar energy, a solar panel is oriented to the side where light intensity is greatest by being designed for the related supervisory controllers. Thus, the aim is to increase the energy obtained from solar panels by providing the specular reflection of the sun’s rays to a solar panel. At the same time, a maximum efficient processing system has been determined by taking account of two controllers for the designed system.