Design of an intelligent MPPT for a PV array mounted on a satellite considering outer space

Abstract

In this study, a model reference adaptive state-dependent Riccati equation (MRASDRE) is proposed as a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller to extract the maximum power from a photovoltaic (PV) array mounted on an orbiting satellite. In the structure of the proposed MPPT, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is used to estimate the reference voltage of the PV array at the maximum power point (MPP), and an adaptive mechanism is used to compensate for the difference between the PV system and the reference model. The model reference generates the duty cycle for damping the oscillations of the DC-DC converter and tracking the MPP. A Lyapunov stability theory is used to obtain an adaption law to tune the gains of the adaptive mechanism. Hence, the stability of the closed system can be guaranteed, and the maximum power point (MPP) can be captured. To evaluate the performance of the proposed MPPT used in an orbiting satellite, the outer space environment is simulated. Also, an electrical power supply (EPS) is proposed to manage the generation and consumption of satellites. The efficiency of the proposed MPPT is verified in the simulation tests.