Prediction of Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal Collector Power Output Using Fuzzy Logic

Abstract

In recent years, solar PV/T water collectors have been identified as one of the most promising hybrid devices. It is a combination of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar flat plate collector (FPC) systems capable of generating electrical and thermal power simultaneously. This study presents a model which predicts solar PV/T collector power output using fuzzy logic techniques. A fuzzy logic model was established to predict power output of PV/T with respect to changes in input process and FPC output power. Membership functions were allocated in connection with each model input. Experimental tests conducted during the month of December 2016 are compared with the developed fuzzy model to verify predicted results. The results indicate an agreement between fuzzy model and experimental results with an accuracy of 94.38% and error of 5.62%.