Hardware implementation of type-2 fuzzy logic control for single axis solar tracker

Abstract

Solar tracker widely maximizes solar energy harvesting by maintaining a perpendicular relative position between the sun and the solar panel. Single and dual-axis solar tracker controllers are the most control mechanisms that are widely implemented. The single-axis solar tracker (SAST) is preferable between those two control mechanisms due to economic and simpler control algorithm features. Many control algorithms have been proposed to improve the performance of SAST. The conventional proportional integral derivative (PID) controller has major limitations mainly corresponding to slower response. Moreover, it cannot handle the uncertainties of the sunlight. To overcome the problem, type 2-fuzzy logic control (T2-FLC) is proposed. The single-axis solar tracker controller based on T2-FLC is applied in Arduino and implemented in the hardware environment. It was monitored that the T2-FLC provides much better responses than the conventional controllers in terms of better dynamic response and more efficiency in harvesting solar energy.