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Fuzzy Controller Applied to a Remote Energy Harvesting Emulation Platform.
Marcelo Miranda Camboim1, Juan Moises Maurício Villanueva1, Cleonilson Protasio de Souza1
1Renewable and Alternatives Energies Center (CEAR)/Electrical Engineering Department (DEE)/Campus I, Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB), Joao Pessoa 5045, Brazil.
This study introduces an online, remote system for evaluating thermal energy harvesting potential. A novel Fuzzy-Proportional Integral (PI) controller significantly outperforms traditional Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers in speed and accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Energy Harvesting Technologies
- Control Systems Engineering
Background:
- Growing demand for sustainable energy solutions necessitates efficient methods for evaluating untapped thermal energy sources.
- Energy harvesting from ambient heat offers a promising avenue for powering low-consumption devices.
- Rapid assessment of thermal source potential is crucial for practical implementation.
Discussion:
- A novel online, remote thermal pattern emulation system was developed to assess energy harvesting potential.
- The system integrates real-time measurement with remote emulation and energy evaluation.
- A key innovation involved replacing a conventional Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller with a Fuzzy-Proportional Integral (PI) controller.
Key Insights:
- The Fuzzy-PI controller demonstrated a 41.26% faster setting time compared to the PID controller.
- The Fuzzy-PI controller achieved a 53% smaller maximum error, indicating enhanced efficiency.
- Experimental validation included step response, perturbation tests, and emulation of tree trunk thermal patterns.
Outlook:
- This system provides a streamlined approach for identifying and quantifying viable thermal energy harvesting opportunities.
- Further research could explore the application of this system to diverse thermal sources.
- Optimization of the Fuzzy-PI controller parameters may yield even greater performance improvements.
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