energies

Article
A Fuzzy-Based PI Controller for Power Management
of a Grid-Connected PV-SOFC Hybrid System
Shivashankar Sukumar 1, * ID
, Marayati Marsadek 1 , Agileswari Ramasamy 2 , Hazlie Mokhlis 3
and Saad Mekhilef 4
1 Institute of Power Engineering (IPE), Universit Tenaga Nasional, Selangor 43000, Malaysia;
Marayati@uniten.edu.my
2 Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional,
Selangor 43000, Malaysia; agileswari@uniten.edu.my
3 Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
hazli@um.edu.my
4 Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (PEARL), University of Malaya,
Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; saad@um.edu.my
* Correspondence: shiva.power1985@gmail.com; Tel.: +60-11-53563676

Academic Editor: William Holderbaum

Received: 11 September 2017; Accepted: 16 October 2017; Published: 27 October 2017

Abstract: Solar power generation is intermittent in nature. It is nearly impossible for a photovoltaic
(PV) system to supply power continuously and consistently to a varying load. Operating a controllable
source like a fuel cell in parallel with PV can be a solution to supply power to variable loads.
In order to coordinate the power supply from fuel cells and PVs, a power management system
needs to be designed for the microgrid system. This paper presents a power management system
for a grid-connected PV and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), considering variation in the load and solar
radiation. The objective of the proposed system is to minimize the power drawn from the grid and
operate the SOFC within a specific power range. Since the PV is operated at the maximum power
point, the power management involves the control of SOFC active power where a proportional and
integral (PI) controller is used. The control parameters of the PI controller Kp (proportional constant)
and Ti (integral time constant) are determined by the genetic algorithm (GA) and simplex method.
In addition, a fuzzy logic controller is also developed to generate appropriate control parameters
for the PI controller. The performance of the controllers is evaluated by minimizing the integral of
time multiplied by absolute error (ITAE) criterion. Simulation results showed that the fuzzy-based PI
controller outperforms the PI controller tuned by the GA and simplex method in managing the power
from the hybrid source effectively under variations of load and solar radiation.

Keywords: distributed generation; fuel cell; fuzzy logic controller; hybrid system; power management;
photovoltaic

1. Introduction
Renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and photovoltaics (PV) have gained prominence in
generating electricity due to environmental concerns. A reduction in CO2 emission and the combustion
of fossil fuels are among the main benefits of using these sources. At the end of 2014, renewable energy
sources contributed to 22.8% of global electricity production [1]. During the period of 2009–2014,
the annual growth rate of solar PV capacity was higher among other renewable energy sources.
Solar PV can supply a local load that is referred to as a microgrid system. The microgrid can operate in
parallel with the grid or in islanded mode. In grid-connected mode, depending on both the generation
and load demand, the microgrid absorbs or supplies power from/to the grid. The main challenge

Energies 2017, 10, 1720; doi:10.3390/en10111720 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2017, 10, 1720 2 of 17

of using PV is its dependence on the solar radiation level. Thus, it is nearly impossible to satisfy
a variable load since the output power from the PV varies. In order to overcome this shortcoming,
a controllable source such as a fuel cell can be installed and operate in parallel with the PV. Fuel cells are
chosen because of their (i) high energy conversion; (ii) zero emission of pollutant gases; (iii) noiseless
operation; and (iv) high reliability. Among other fuel cell technologies, the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
is an attractive option for distributed generation applications. Practical application of SOFC in power
production is reported in [2]. In this paper, a 100 kW SOFC unit was installed and operated for more
than 15,000 h at a power plant in Westervoort, Netherlands, proving the point that SOFC is reliable
enough for commercial power generation.
A microgrid system consisting of PV and SOFC can operate in grid-connected or islanded mode.
During grid-connected operation, the system should be managed well in order to coordinate power
generation between PV and SOFC, and at the same time ensure that load demand is fulfilled. In this
context, an efficient power management system is required. If the total power from the hybrid system
is less than the load demand, the microgrid imports power from the grid. If the power produced from
the hybrid source is more than the load demand, the excess power is injected into the grid. Since
SOFC is a controllable source, its output power should be regulated to its reference value specified
by the power management system. The microgrid power management system assigns a reference set
point for the generation units. Therefore, the generation unit should have appropriate control schemes
for their voltage source inverter (VSI) in order to position its output power to the reference points
assigned by power management systems. It is necessary for a control scheme to attain fast response
and maintain system stability during sudden changes.
In [3] a power management strategy is developed for a hybrid system consisting of PV and
a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) supplying power to a variable load. The authors
developed a detailed model of PV, PEMFC and electrolyser. The authors used an artificial neural
network (ANN) for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). They claimed that the ANN for MPPT
produced the best results for real weather conditions. Here the PEMFC is seen as a secondary
generator which works when PV power is absent. This paper deals only with the management of
the hybrid system, which operates in an islanded mode. Similar work was carried out in [4], where
two intermittent sources (PV and wind) along with a fuel cell were used to deliver DC load. They
employed fuzzy logic control to achieve maximum power tracking for wind and PV. The hybrid system
was operating in islanded mode. In [5], a power management strategy for a grid-connected PV-FC
hybrid source was presented where the hybrid sources were operating in unit power control and feeder
flow control modes. The strategy is to operate PV at MPPT and the fuel cell within its power range and
reduce the number of switches between the two control modes. In [3,6] a power management system
is proposed for a hybrid system consisting of PV-FC operated in islanded mode. However, the authors
did not mention the controller used or the selection of parameters for the controller. In [7], a differential
evolution algorithm was used to find the optimal control parameters for a PI controller. The robustness
of the controller was evaluated only for the SOFC system operating in parallel with the grid. A fuzzy
logic controller for tuning the PI controller parameters was designed in [8] specifically for inverter
reactive power control. In [9] a PI tuning method is proposed for the energy management of a DC
microgrid grid. The tuning of the PI controller used a swarm variant of hybrid mean variance mapping
optimization. Although they used optimization to tune the controller’s parameters, it may be difficult
to implement this in real time. An optimal controller was presented in [10] for a grid-connected
microgrid operation considering changes in the load. In this work, the control parameters were
tuned using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique. The operating range of the distributed
source, a constraint, was not considered, and the robustness of the controller was demonstrated for
a single step change in the load. In addition, the reference set point which was given as an input
to distributed generator’s (DG) control was fixed. From the above references, it can be confirmed
that many researchers focused on the design of power management for the operation of hybrid
systems. However, there is very limited research that focuses on the selection of control parameters
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 3 of 17

for the distributed generator’s (DG) real power controllers. Moreover, most of it only considers cases
where DG output is constant. Hence, there is a need to look into this matter, which will be addressed
in this paper.
Fuzzy logic is mathematical tool which provides solutions for a complex problem where there
is no well-defined mathematical formulation. Mamdani and Takagi Sugeno interface fuzzy systems
are commonly used for control applications. An application of a mamdani interface system is found
in [11] where a fuzzy-based speed governor was designed for a mini hydro power plant that supplies
varying load. In [12] an adaptive fuzzy logic controller was designed using a mamdani interface
system for load frequency control of a small hydro plant. Some applications of Takagi Sugeno fuzzy
systems are presented in [13,14]. In [13], a Takagi Sugeno fuzzy system is designed to efficiently
control static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) installed in a power system network under
various disturbances. The voltage and frequency of an isolated wind turbine controlled by a Takagi
Sugeno fuzzy logic controller considering variation in wind speed and load power can be found
in [14]. A fuzzy logic system integrated with an optimization technique to provide fast and robust
results has been presented in [15–18]. In [15], a fuzzy-logic–genetic-algorithm model is developed to
estimate monthly solar radiation. The results presented in [15] indicate that the fuzzy–genetic model
more accurately estimates the monthly solar radiation than an artificial neural network (ANN) and
neuro fuzzy model. The application of a fuzzy-based controller to tune the PI control parameters for
a hybrid electric vehicle application is found in [16]. A cuckoo-search-optimization-based fuzzy logic
controller is developed in [17] to operate a hybrid system consisting of PV, battery and diesel generator
in standalone mode. PSO used to tune the membership function of a fuzzy controller for solar PV
MPPT control is carried out in [18]. Application of fuzzy logic to solve diverse engineering problems
can be found in the literature; however, the application of fuzzy to find the PI controller parameters for
a DG used in a power management problem is very limited.
In this paper, a power management algorithm is developed for a grid-connected PV-SOFC hybrid
system, taking into consideration variation in the load and solar radiation. When the system is in
operation, the power management system facilitates PV to operate at the maximum power point,
minimizing the power drawn from the grid and operating the fuel cell within its operating efficiency.
The control of the power from the hybrid source is possible by controlling the power output from
the SOFC system. Here, a PI controller is employed to control the active power flow from the SOFC
system. A fuzzy logic system, genetic algorithm and simplex are designed to obtain the optimal
control parameters (Kp and Ti ) for the PI controller, taking into consideration variation in the load and
solar radiation. The integral of time multiplied by absolute error (ITAE) criterion is used to evaluate
the performance of the controllers. The SOFC operates within a specific power range (PFCmin,
PFCmax). The simulation model of the grid-connected PV-SOFC was built in PSCAD software.

2. System Description
The proposed microgrid incorporates two electronically-interfaced distributed generators (DG)
connected through a three-phase voltage source converter (VSC). A 100 kW SOFC is the primary
power source. Since minimizing the power drawn from the grid is considered as one of the objectives,
the SOFC is sized to the peak load where the fuel cell is able to supply power to the variable load in
the absence of PV. The load demand varies throughout 24 h. A 200 kW PV is also connected where
the available power is injected into the microgrid system with a unity power factor. The microgrid
operates in grid-connected mode.

2.1. Hybrid Grid-Connected PV-SOFC System

The microgrid system considered here consists of a 200 kW PV array and 100 kW SOFC connected to
the point of common coupling through a 0.4/11 kV transformer (Figure 1). The system is grid-connected
and operates in parallel with variable load.
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 4 of 17
Energies 2017, 10, 1720    4 of 17 
Energies 2017, 10, 1720    4 of 17 

  
Figure 1. Grid-connected hybrid system.
Figure 1. Grid‐connected hybrid system. 
Figure 1. Grid‐connected hybrid system. 

2.2. PV Array Model 
2.2. PV Array Model
2.2. PV Array Model 
An An electrical equivalent of solar cell is modeled by connecting a current source anti‐parallel with 
An electrical equivalent of solar cell is modeled by connecting a current source anti‐parallel with 
electrical equivalent of solar cell is modeled by connecting a current source anti-parallel with
diode which is shown in Figure 2 [19].   
a diode which is shown in Figure 2 [19]. 
aa diode which is shown in Figure 2 [19]. 

 
Figure 2. Equivalent circuit of single diode solar cell.
 
Figure 2. Equivalent circuit of single diode solar cell. 
Figure 2. Equivalent circuit of single diode solar cell. 
When  solar  radiation falls
falls on
on a a solar
solar cell,
cell, aa DCDC photo
photo current
current  (I
(Ip)  is  generated.  Ip  varies 
When solar radiation p ) is generated. Ip varies
When  solar  radiation  falls  on  a  solar  cell,  a  DC  photo  current  (Ip)  is  generated.  Ip  varies 
proportionally with changes in solar radiation. Applying Kirchhoff’s current law to the equivalent 
proportionally with changes in solar radiation. Applying Kirchhoff’s current law to the equivalent
proportionally with changes in solar radiation. Applying Kirchhoff’s current law to the equivalent 
circuit gives [20],   
circuit gives [20],
circuit gives [20],   
II= IIpp− IIdd−IIshsh   (1)  (1)
The diode current (Id )dcan
I  I  I d  I sh  
be calculated as, p (1) 
The diode current (I ) can be calculated as, 
The diode current (Id) can be calculated as, 
Id = Io [exp VV   


 


+ IRs V + IRs
IR − 1 ] − V IR (2)
I d  I o [exp nkTc /q s
  1]  
R sh s
  
/ qs 
(2) 
VnkT
 cIR 
 V 
Rsh s
IR 
[exp
I d beI ocalculated
Io is the dark current and can as,   1]      (2) 

nkT / q
Io is the dark current and can be calculated as, 
c   i sh R 
h
Tc 3 qeg
Io = Iore f T 3 3 exp T − T1c
1
(3)
 Tcre f 
Io is the dark current and can be calculated as,   cre
1 f 1  qeg
nk
I o  I oref  c 3  exp  
 nk
  (3) 
 TTcref
3  
T
 T
 1 1 
I  I  c exp 
qe
  g  
where, cref c
  (3) 
T 3  Tc  nk
o oref
Iorefwhere, 
: dark current at Tcref ;  cref   Tcref
k: Boltzman constant; cref; 
Ioref: dark current at T
where, 
eg : k: Boltzman constant; 
band gap energy;
Ioref
T : dark current at T
crefg:: band gap energy; 
e cref; 
reference cell temperature;
k: Boltzman constant; 
Tc :Tcell
cref: reference cell temperature; 
temperature;
eg: band gap energy; 
T c: cell temperature; 
q: electron charge;
Tcref: reference cell temperature; 
Tc: cell temperature; 
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 5 of 17

n: diode ideality factor.

Ip depends on solar radiation and temperature and can be expressed as,

h  i
Ip = ISCre f GG 1 + αt Tc − Tcre f (4)
re f

where,

Gref : reference solar radiation;

αt : temperature coefficient of photo current.

PV cells are connected in series/parallel combination to make the PV module. The PV modules
are arranged in series and in parallel combination to generate the required electrical power. A 200 kW
PV plant is built by connecting 40 strings in parallel where each string contains 20 modules in a series.
The electrical specifications of the PV module is obtained from [21].
The MPPT controller connected to the DC/DC converter of PV always captures the maximum
power from a solar cell. MPPT algorithms such as incremental conductance (IC), perturbation and
observation (P&O), and constant voltage are the common techniques found in the literature. Among
these techniques, the IC algorithm is the simplest and most effective technique that is used widely.
The IC algorithm is the fastest in MPPT under rapid weather changing conditions and the power
oscillation is negligible at the maximum power point [22]. For this reason, the IC algorithm method is
used in this work.

2.3. SOFC Model

The SOFC is a distributed generator (DG) technology that generates power from chemical
reactions. The advantages of using SOFC over other fuel cells are long term stability and fuel flexibility;
the electrical efficiency of a typical SOFC power plant can reach up to 70% [23]. A grid-connected SOFC
developed using PSCAD software is presented in [24]. The output fuel cell stack voltage considering
ohmic loss is given by [25],
0.5
  
p H2 pO
RT
V = No Eo + 2F ln p H2 O
2
− rI f c (5)

where,

Ifc : fuel cell current;

R: universal gas constant;
T: absolute temperature in kelvin;
PH2 , PO2 and PH2 O : partial pressure of hydrogen, oxygen and water;
r: representation of ohmic loss in ohm;
F: Faraday’s constant;
Eo : ideal standard potential;
No : number of cells in series in the stack.

The utilization factor and temperature of the stack are critical operating variables of SOFC.
The utilization factor is the ratio between fuel consumed to total fuel input and the range of the utilization
factor should be 80–90% [26]. For this work, the utilization factor is taken as a constant value of 85%
and the operating temperature is kept constant at 1273 K [26]. The parameters of the 100 kW SOFC
power plant are obtained from [27].

3. Proposed Operating Strategy of Hybrid System

The hybrid system supplies power at a variable load throughout the day. The power management
system coordinates DG output (in this case PV and SOFC) in order to supply the variable load. In this
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 6 of 17

operating strategy, the power from SOFC is regulated to its reference value. To coordinate the PV-SOFC
operation, an appropriate reference value must be set to the operating constraints of the DGs. Once
the SOFC operating limit is known, the operating strategy depends on load variation and PV output
power. When hybrid power supplies the load in grid-connected mode, the power balance equation is
given by,
PPV + PFC + PGRID = PLOAD (6)

Since the power drawn from the grid (PGRID ) incurs costs, the PGRID has to be minimized.
Therefore the value of PGRID is set to zero.

PPV + PFC = PLOAD (7)

The operating limit of SOFC output power is given as follows,

PHYre f = PPV + PFCre f (8)

In Equation (7), when PV output (PPV ) varies, the balance power is compensated by SOFC (PFC ).
The fuel cell supplies power based on its reference value (PFCref ). Therefore, the total power from
the hybrid generators is regulated to its reference value (PHYref ). The reference of the hybrid system is
given by,
PHYre f = PPV + PFCre f (9)

Figure 3 shows the operating strategy of a fuel cell when PPV equals zero. The references for fuel
cell and hybrid system generation are given in Equations (10) and (11), respectively.

i i (10)
PFCre f = PLoad , i = 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . n

i 0 i (11)
PHYre f = PPV + PFCre f , i = 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . n

In the absence of PPV generation, only the fuel cell has to supply power to the varying load. For
example, when load demand increases from PLoad 1 to PLoad 2 , the change in the load is assigned as
the fuel cell reference set point (PFCref 2 ). Therefore, the SOFC delivers the required power (PFC 2 )
following the reference set point. Since the PV is absent, the total power generated from the hybrid
source is equal to PFCref 2 . In this way, if the load demand reaches the maximum value PLoad n , which is
100 kW, fuel cell generation is also increased to its maximum capacity PFCmax following its reference
PFCref n . For load increment or decrement, the change in PFCref and PHYref is shown in Figure 3. It should
be noted that PLoad 0 is the load demand equal to or less than 20 kW. Here, the power from the SOFC is
fixed at PFCmin i.e., 20 kW.
When PPV is greater than zero, the operating strategy depends on PV output power and load
variation. PV power and load variation are time dependent. In the case when PV power is available but
less than the load, the SOFC supplies the deficit in power and the power from the grid is maintained at
zero in order to reduce the cost for the power drawn from the utility grid. Therefore the target hybrid
reference power is given as,

PHYre f (t) = PPV (t) + PFCre f (t) + PGrid (t) (12)

where,
PFCre f (t) = PLoad (t) − PPV (t), PGrid (t) = 0 (13)

In the case where PV power is more than the load, the excess power is injected into the grid where
the value will be negative. In this case the fuel cell power PFCref is fixed to a minimum operating point
(PFCmin ), that is, 20 kW in order to avoid the underused condition, as this will lead to unexpected high
cell voltages. Then the target reference power is given as,
 i
PFCref  PLoad
i
, i = 0, 1, 2, 3, … n   (10) 

i
PHYref  PPV
0
 PFCref
i
, i = 0, 1, 2, 3, … n   (11) 
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 7 of 17
In the absence of PPV generation, only the fuel cell has to supply power to the varying load. For 
example, when load demand increases from PLoad 1 to PLoad 2, the change in the load is assigned as the 
fuel cell reference set point (P
Energies 2017, 10, 1720    FCref 2). Therefore, the SOFC delivers the required power (PFC 2) following  7 of 17 
the reference set point. Since the PV is absent, the total power generated from the hybrid source is 
PHYre f (t) = PPV (t) + PFCre f (t) + PGrid (t) (14)
When P
equal to P PV is greater than zero, the operating strategy depends on PV output power and load 
FCref 2 . In this way, if the load demand reaches the maximum value PLoad n, which is 100 kW, 
where,
variation. PV power and load variation are time dependent. In the case when PV power is available 
fuel cell generation is also increased to its maximum capacity PFCmax following its reference PFCref n. For 
but  less  than  the  load,  the PSOFC  FCre f ( t )supplies 
load increment or decrement, the change in P = 20 kW,the 
P (t) =HYref
deficit 
Grid
FCref  and P PLoad
in  (t) − and 
power  ) power  from  the  grid (15)
PPV (tthe 
 is shown in Figure 3. It should be noted is 
maintained at zero in order to reduce the cost for the power drawn from the utility grid. Therefore 
that P
It Load 0
should  is the load demand equal to or less than 20 kW. Here, the power from the SOFC is fixed at 
be noted that the PFC is operated taking into consideration the constraint as stated in
the target hybrid reference power is given as, 
PFCmin i.e., 20 kW.   
Equation (8). The complete control algorithm for the power management module is shown in Figure 4.
PHYref (t )  PPV (t )  PFCref (t )  PGrid (t )   (12) 

where, 
PFCref (t )  PLoad (t )  PPV (t ) ,  PGrid (t )  0   (13) 

In the case where PV power is more than the load, the excess power is injected into the grid 
where the value will be negative. In this case the fuel cell power PFCref is fixed to a minimum operating 
point (PFCmin), that is, 20 kW in order to avoid the underused condition, as this will lead to unexpected 
high cell voltages. Then the target reference power is given as, 

PHYref (t )  PPV (t )  PFCref (t )  PGrid (t )   (14) 

where, 
PFCref (t )  20kW ,  PGrid (t )  PLoad (t )  PPV (t )   (15) 

 
It should be noted that the PFC is operated taking into consideration the constraint as stated in 
Equation (8). The complete control algorithm for the power management module is shown in Figure 
Figure 3. Operating strategy of fuel cell when PPV
Figure 3. Operating strategy of fuel cell when P 0 = 0.
PV0 = 0. 
4. 

 
Figure 4. Control algorithm for power management system.
Figure 4. Control algorithm for power management system. 

 
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 8 of 17

Energies 2017, 10, 1720    8 of 17 
4. Methodology
4. Methodology 
4.1. Control of SOFC Voltage Source Inverter (VSI)
4.1. Control of SOFC Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) 
The voltage and active power flow from the inverter output is regulated by adjusting the modulation
index andThe  voltage 
phase and 
angle of active  power respectively.
the inverter, flow  from  the  inverter the
Regulating output  is  regulated 
inverter by  adjusting 
terminal voltage the 
determines
modulation  index  and  phase  angle  of  the  inverter,  respectively.  Regulating  the  inverter  terminal 
the reactive power flow as well. During the operating strategy, the fuel cell reference value can be
voltage  determines  the  reactive  power  flow  as  well.  During  the  operating  strategy,  the  fuel  cell 
achieved by controlling fuel cell power to the desired level. The PI controller is employed for better
reference value can be achieved by controlling fuel cell power to the desired level. The PI controller 
dynamic response. In this paper, PI controllers are utilized to generate the modulation index and
is  employed  for  better  dynamic  response.  In  this  paper,  PI  controllers  are  utilized  to  generate  the 
phase angle. From Figure 5, the active power from the fuel cell output is controlled by controlling its
modulation  index  and  phase  angle.  From  Figure  5,  the  active  power  from  the  fuel  cell  output  is 
direct sequence component. From the meter installed at the inverter output, the actual output power is
controlled  by  controlling  its  direct  sequence  component.  From  the  meter  installed  at  the  inverter 
calculated and is compared with its reference, which is produced from the power management system.
output, the actual output power is calculated and is compared with its reference, which is produced 
Thefrom the power management system. The error signal of the active power is given as the input to the 
error signal of the active power is given as the input to the PI controller. The controller generates
a reference direct axis component from the error signal and is fed into dq0 to abc transformation
PI controller. The controller generates a reference direct axis component from the error signal and is 
block. Finally the control signals for the inverter are generated by the pulse width modulation
fed into dq0 to abc transformation block. Finally the control signals for the inverter are generated by 
(PWM) technique.
the pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. 
This work focuses on implementing fuzzy logic to generate appropriate control values for a real
This work focuses on implementing fuzzy logic to generate appropriate control values for a real 
power controller
power  where
controller  the the 
where  realreal 
power errorerror 
power  signal is given
signal  as an as 
is  given  input
an  to the MATLAB-fuzzy
input  interface
to  the  MATLAB‐fuzzy 
interface system (FIS) system. The FIS system in turn generates the appropriate proportional gain (K
system (FIS) system. The FIS system in turn generates the appropriate proportional gain (Kp ) and p) 

and integral time constant (T
integral time constant (Ti ) which i) which are then used as input for the PI controller. Here, the SOFC 
are then used as input for the PI controller. Here, the SOFC reference
setreference set point (P FCref) is generated from the power management system module. 
point (PFCref ) is generated from the power management system module.

 
Figure 5. Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) active power control.
Figure 5. Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) active power control. 

The PI controller used in the SOFC active power control should be robust in nature when
The PI controller used in the SOFC active power control should be robust in nature when the 
the systemis isoperating 
system  operatingunder 
underdynamic 
dynamicchanges 
changessuch 
suchas asPV 
PVoutput 
outputand 
andload. 
load.Therefore, 
Therefore,optimal 
optimal
operation of the PI controller is necessary. The optimal values for the real power controller K
operation of the PI controller is necessary. The optimal values for the real power controller Kpp and T and Tii  is
is determined using a fuzzy logic controller. For comparison, the GA and simplex method were also 
determined using a fuzzy logic controller. For comparison, the GA and simplex method were also used
used to determine the control parameters of the PI controller. In this work, the controller’s objective 
to determine the control parameters of the PI controller. In this work, the controller’s objective function
function is to minimize the error using the ITAE performance criterion. The advantage of using the 
is to minimize the error using the ITAE performance criterion. The advantage of using the ITAE
ITAE  performance 
performance criterion criterion  is  that  it smaller
is that it produces produces  smaller  and
overshoot overshoot  and  oscillations 
oscillations [28].  The 
[28]. The mathematical
mathematical expression for the ITAE criterion is given as: 
expression for the ITAE criterion is given as:


JJ= ((t.t.|e
R∞
e((tt)|)
) )..dt
dt   (16) (16)
00

where, 
where,
t is the time; 
t: time;
Energies 2017, 10, 1720    9 of 17 
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e(t) is the difference between reference power and the actual fuel cell power. 
Energies 2017, 10, 1720    9 of 17 

To increase the robustness of the controller, the optimization is performed on all hourly data for 
e(t): the difference between reference power and the actual fuel cell power.
e(t) is the difference between reference power and the actual fuel cell power. 
the  entire  day,  which  means  that  the  ITAE  index  is  optimized  for  24  different  operating  points. 
To increase the robustness of the controller, the optimization is performed on all hourly data for 
Therefore, Equation (14) is rewritten for 24 different operating points. The objective function is given 
To increase the robustness of the controller, the optimization is performed on all hourly data
as,  the entireday, 
for
the  entire  which  means  that  the  ITAE  index  is  optimized  for  24  different  operating  points. 
day, which means that the ITAE index is optimized for 24 different operating points.
Therefore, Equation (14) is rewritten for 24 different operating points. The objective function is given 
Therefore, Equation (14) is rewritten for 24 24 different operating points. The objective function is given as,
as, 
2424 R
 0

J  ∞ (t. | e(t ) |).dt , n = 0, 1, 2, ... 24   (17) 
J = ∑ 0 (t.|e(t)|).dt, n = 0, 1, 2, . . . 24

n (17)
J n=0 0 (t. | e(t ) |).dt , n = 0, 1, 2, ... 24   (17) 
n 0 0
4.2. Proposed Fuzzy‐Based PI Controller Model 
4.2. Proposed Fuzzy-Based PI Controller Model
4.2. Proposed Fuzzy‐Based PI Controller Model 
The fuzzy‐based PI controller was modeled in the PSCAD environment using the SOFC‐fuzzy 
The fuzzy-based PI controller was modeled in the PSCAD environment using the SOFC-fuzzy
interface 
interface system 
system (FIS). 
(FIS). Figure 
Figure 6  shows 
6 shows a  block 
a block diagramdiagram  of  the  fuzzy‐logic‐based 
of the fuzzy-logic-based PI control.PI 
The fuzzy‐based PI controller was modeled in the PSCAD environment using the SOFC‐fuzzy  control.  A 
A FORTRAN
FORTRAN subroutine was written in PSCAD to interface with the MATLAB engine. 
subroutine was written in PSCAD to interface with the MATLAB engine.  
interface  system  (FIS).  Figure  6  shows  a  block  diagram  of  the  fuzzy‐logic‐based  PI  control.  A 
FORTRAN subroutine was written in PSCAD to interface with the MATLAB engine.   

 
 
Figure 6. Block diagram for fuzzy‐based proportional and integral (PI) control. 
Figure 6. Block diagram for fuzzy-based proportional and integral (PI) control.
Figure 6. Block diagram for fuzzy‐based proportional and integral (PI) control. 
The  MATLAB‐FIS  system  has  one  input  (PFCref)  and  two  outputs  (Kp  and  Ti).  The  FIS  system 
The
receives P MATLAB-FIS
The  MATLAB‐FIS  system
system has has oneone input
input (P
(PFCref ) and 
FCref)  and two 
two outputs 
outputs(K
FCref as the input signal, and depending on the input signal an appropriate control parameter 
andTT
(Kp pand  i ).
i).  The
The  FIS
FIS  system
system 
receives P
receives P FCref
FCref  as the input signal, and depending on the input signal an appropriate control parameter 
as the input signal, and depending on the input signal an appropriate control parameter
is sent back to the SOFC active power controller in the PSCAD environment. The FIS system consists 
is is sent back to the SOFC active power controller in the PSCAD environment. The FIS system consists 
sent back to the SOFC active power controller in the PSCAD environment. The FIS system consists of
of three important steps: (i) fuzzification; (ii) rule base mechanism; and (iii) defuzzification. As a first 
of three important steps: (i) fuzzification; (ii) rule base mechanism; and (iii) defuzzification. As a first 
three important steps:data 
(i) fuzzification; (ii) rule base mechanism; andusing 
(iii) defuzzification. Asfunction. 
a first step,
step,  a  set  of  input  (PFCref)  are  converted  into  a  fuzzy  set  a  membership  A 
step,  a  set  data
of  input  data 
) are(Pconverted
FCref)  are  converted  into seta  using
fuzzy aset 
amembership function is used in the fuzzification and defuzzification process where the set of non‐
set of input (PFCref into a fuzzy using  a  membership 
membership function. Afunction. 
membership A 
membership function is used in the fuzzification and defuzzification process where the set of non‐
function is used in the fuzzification and defuzzification process where the set of non-fuzzy inputs is
fuzzy 
fuzzy  inputs 
inputs  is is 
mapped 
mapped  to 
to fuzzy 
fuzzy a sets. 
sets.  For 
For  this 
this  work, 
work,  a triangular 
a  triangular  membership 
membership  function 
function  was 
was 
mapped to
constructed for P fuzzy sets. For this work, triangular membership function was constructed
FCref, Kp and Ti, given in Figure 7. The linguistic variables of input PFCref are denoted 
for P FCref , K p
constructed for P FCref, Kp and Ti, given in Figure 7. The linguistic variables of input PFCref are denoted 
and T i , given in Figure 7. The linguistic variables of input P FCref
as Ref 1 to Ref 8, shown in Figure 7a. The linguistic variables of the output are indicated as K are denoted as Ref 1 to Ref 8, shown
p1 to Kp5 
as Ref 1 to Ref 8, shown in Figure 7a. The linguistic variables of the output are indicated as Kp1 to K p5 
in Figure
for K p
7a. The
 in Figure 7b and T linguistic i1
variables
 to T i5  for T i
of the output are indicated
 in Figure 7c, respectively.  as Kp1 to Kp5 for Kp in Figure 7b and
for Kp in Figure 7b and Ti1 to Ti5 for Ti in Figure 7c, respectively. 
Ti1 to Ti5 for Ti in Figure 7c, respectively.

(a)
(a)

 
(b)  
(b)
Figure 7. Cont.
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(c)
Figure 7. (a–c) shows the membership function for PFCref, Kp and Ti, respectively. 
Figure 7. (a–c) shows the membership function for PFCref , Kp and Ti , respectively.

A rule‐based mechanism was created to find the output variable for the given input. The fuzzy 
A rule-based mechanism was created to find the output variable for the given input. The fuzzy
rule constructed for this work is shown in Table 1. The rule‐based mechanism has a simple if–then 
rule constructed for this work is shown in Table 1. The rule-based mechanism has a simple if–then
statement with a condition and conclusion. 
statement with a condition and conclusion.
Table 1. Rules for fuzzy logic controller. 
Table 1. Rules for fuzzy logic controller.
PFCref 
 
Ref 1  Ref 2  Ref 3 Ref 4 PFCrefRef 5 Ref 6 Ref 7 Ref 8 
Kp 
Ref 1
Kp1 
Ref 2
Kp1  K
Ref 3
p2  Kp2 
Ref 4
Kp3 
Ref 5
Kp3 
Ref 6
Kp4Ref
  7 Kp5  Ref 8
Ti  Ti1  Ti1  Ti2  Ti2  Ti3  Ti3  Ti4  Ti5 
Kp Kp1 Kp1 Kp2 Kp2 Kp3 Kp3 Kp4 Kp5
Ti Ti1 Ti1 Ti2 Ti2 Ti3 Ti3 Ti4 Ti5
With the help of the output membership function, the resulting fuzzy set is mapped to its output. 
The appropriate Kp and Ti from the FIS system is sent back to the PSCAD environment. The advantage 
With the help of the output membership function,
of using fuzzy logic is that for any change in the P the resulting fuzzy set is mapped to its output.
FCref, a specific value for the PI controller parameters 

The appropriate Kp and T i from the FIS system is sent back to the PSCAD environment. The advantage
is produced. The methodology proposed in this paper is the design of a fuzzy controller to generate 
of appropriate 
using fuzzy the 
logicreal 
is that for PI 
power  anycontroller  the PFCref
change incontrol  , a specific
parameters  value for the
considering  PI controller
ITAE as  parameters
the  performance 
criterion.  The 
is produced. Thepossible 
methodologylimitation  of  the  in
proposed proposed 
this papermethod 
is theis  that  the 
design of afuzzy 
fuzzycontroller 
controllersolution  is 
to generate
specifically for the ITAE performance criterion. However, the fuzzy controller may provide varying 
appropriate the real power PI controller control parameters considering ITAE as the performance
solutions if different performance criteria, such as integral absolute error (IAE), and integral square 
criterion. The possible limitation of the proposed method is that the fuzzy controller solution is
error (ISE), were used. 
specifically for the ITAE performance criterion. However, the fuzzy controller may provide varying
On the whole, a power management system for a grid‐connected hybrid system consisting of 
solutions if different performance criteria, such as integral absolute error (IAE), and integral square
solar PV and SOFC is proposed considering varying loads and solar radiation. In order to operate the 
error (ISE), were used.
SOFC efficiently within a specific power range and to deliver the power set by the reference set point, 
On the whole, a power management system for a grid-connected hybrid system consisting of
a  fuzzy  logic  controller  is  also  developed  to  generate  appropriate  control  parameters  for  the  PI 
solar PV and SOFC is proposed considering varying loads and solar radiation. In order to operate
controller. The performance of the controllers is evaluated by the minimizing ITAE criterion for a 24 
the SOFC efficiently within a specific power range and to deliver the power set by the reference set point,
h time period. 
a fuzzy logic controller is also developed to generate appropriate control parameters for the PI controller.
The performance of the controllers is evaluated by the minimizing ITAE criterion for a 24 h time period.
5. Simulation Results 

5. Simulation Results
5.1. Optimization of Control Parameters 
5.1. Optimization of Control
The  objective  of  the Parameters
SOFC  active  power  controller  is  to  deliver  a  power  set  by  the  reference 
(PFCref),  which  is  generated  from  the  power  management  module.  The  control  parameters  of  the 
The objective of the SOFC active power controller is to deliver a power set by the reference (PFCref ),
controller are evaluated using the GA and simplex method. The PSCAD program is equipped with 
which is generated from the power management module. The control parameters of the controller are
the optimum run search engine module, which enables us to perform successive simulations for a 
evaluated using the GA and simplex method. The PSCAD program is equipped with the optimum run
group of parameters. The group of parameters generated by the optimization algorithm is used for 
search engine module, which enables us to perform successive simulations for a group of parameters.
simulation program and simultaneously evaluates the objective function given in Equation (14). The 
The group of parameters generated by the optimization algorithm is used for simulation program and
GA and simplex method present in the optimum run module were used for this study. A generalized 
simultaneously evaluates the objective function given in Equation (14). The GA and simplex method
simulation flow for the GA and simplex method is presented in Figure 8. The search is terminated 
present in the optimum run module were used for this study. A generalized simulation flow for the GA
when the stopping criterion is met, that is, when the algorithm completes the maximum number of 
and simplex method is presented in Figure 8. The search is terminated when the stopping criterion is
iterations. 
met, that is, when the algorithm completes
The fuel cell reference set point (P the maximum number of iterations.
FCref) changes at regular intervals due to changes in load and 

The fuel cell reference set point (PFCref ) changes at regular intervals due to changes in load
PV input power. The PI controller parameters are optimized for the SOFC reference set points (P FCrefand
) 
PVfor every hour. The final optimized values for different fuel cell reference set points are used for the 
input power. The PI controller parameters are optimized for the SOFC reference set points (PFCref )
for every hour. The final optimized values for different fuel cell reference set points are used for the
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 11 of 17
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simulation. Therefore the optimal parameters found using the GA or simplex method for different
simulation. Therefore the optimal parameters found using the GA or simplex method for different 
simulation. Therefore the optimal parameters found using the GA or simplex method for different 
reference set points will be used throughout the simulation. The dynamic change in the controller
reference set points will be used throughout the simulation. The dynamic change in the controller 
reference set points will be used throughout the simulation. The dynamic change in the controller 
parameters for the simplex and GA optimization methods for different fuel cell set points are shown in
parameters for the simplex and GA optimization methods for different fuel cell set points are shown 
parameters for the simplex and GA optimization methods for different fuel cell set points are shown 
Figures 9 and 10, respectively.
in Figures 9 and 10, respectively. 
in Figures 9 and 10, respectively. 

  
Figure 8. Generalized optimization flow using the optimum run module in PSCAD. 
Figure 8. Generalized optimization flow using the optimum run module in PSCAD.
Figure 8. Generalized optimization flow using the optimum run module in PSCAD. 

3.2
3.2

33

2.8
2.8

2.6
2.6
Kp
Kp

2.4
2.4

2.2
2.2

22

1.8
1.8
0 01 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 77 88 9910
1011
1112
1213
1314
1415
1516
1617
17 18
18 19
19 20
20 21
21 22
22 23
23
Timeininhours
Time hours
(a)
(a)

0.5
0.5

0.4
0.4

0.3
0.3
Ti
Ti

0.2
0.2

0.1
0.1

0
0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Time in hours
Time in hours
(b)
(b)
Figure 9. (a,b) show the variation of Kp and Ti respectively for different fuel cell controller set points 
Figure 9. (a,b) show the variation of Kpp and T
Figure 9. (a,b) show the variation of K and Tii respectively for different fuel cell controller set points 
respectively for different fuel cell controller set points
using the simplex method. 
using the simplex method.
using the simplex method. 
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 12 of 17
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5

4.55

4.54

3.54

3.53

Kp Kp
2.53

2.52

1.52

1.51

0.51
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
0.5 Time in hours
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Time
(a)in hours
1.6 (a)
1.6
1.4

1.4
1.2

1.2
1

1
Ti Ti

0.8

0.8
0.6

0.6
0.4

0.4
0.2

0.2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
0 Time in hours
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Time
(b)in hours
(b)
Figure 10. (a,b) show the variation of Kp and Ti respectively for different fuel cell controller set points 
Figure 10. (a,b) show the variation of Kp and Ti respectively for different fuel cell controller set points
using genetic algorithm (GA). 
Figure 10. (a,b) show the variation of Kp and Ti respectively for different fuel cell controller set points 
using genetic algorithm (GA).
using genetic algorithm (GA). 
The Kp and Ti generated by the FIS system is shown in Figure 11 for different values of input 
The
(PFCref ).  Kp pand
The K Tii generated by the FIS system is shown in Figure 11 for different values of input 
 and T generated by the FIS system is shown in Figure 11 for different values of
input (P). 
(PFCref FCref ).

3
2.5

2.5
2
Kp Kp

2
1.5

1.5
1

0.5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
0.5 Time in hours
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Time
(a)in hours
(a)

Figure 11. Cont.

Energies 2017, 10, 1720 13 of 17
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0.05

0.05
0.045

0.045
0.04

0.04
0.035

0.035

Ti Ti
0.03

0.03
0.025

0.025
0.02

0.02
0.015

0.015
0.01
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
0.01 Time in hours
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
(b) in hours
Time
(b)
Figure 11. (a,b) show the variation of Kp and Ti respectively for different fuel cell controller set points 
Figure 11. (a,b) show the variation of Kp and Ti respectively for different fuel cell controller set points
using the fuzzy‐based PI controller.  p and Ti respectively for different fuel cell controller set points 
Figure 11. (a,b) show the variation of K
using the fuzzy-based PI controller.
using the fuzzy‐based PI controller. 
The  ranges  of  optimal  control  parameters  for  the  PI  controller  were  obtained  using  the  GA, 
The ranges of optimal control parameters for the PI controller were obtained using the GA,
simplex method and fuzzy logic system are summarized in Table 2. 
The  ranges  of  optimal  control  parameters  for  the  PI  controller  were  obtained  using  the  GA, 
simplex method and fuzzy logic system are summarized in Table 2.
simplex method and fuzzy logic system are summarized in Table 2. 
Table 2. Optimal Kp and Ti ranges found using the GA, simplex method and fuzzy logic control. 
Table 2. Optimal Kp and Ti ranges found using the GA, simplex method and fuzzy logic control.
Table 2. Optimal Kp and Ti ranges found using the GA, simplex method and fuzzy logic control. 
Control Parameter and Objective Function 
Method 
K p  Ti Objective FunctionITAE 
Control Parameter and Objective Function 
Control Parameter and
Method 
Method
GA 0.750–4.958 
Kp Kp 0.0217–1.550 
TTi  i 7844.99311 
ITAE ITAE 
Simplex 
GA GA 1.966–3.097 
0.750–4.958 
0.750–4.958 0.0087–0.5247 
0.0217–1.550 
0.0217–1.550 483.79171 
7844.99311 
7844.99311
PSCAD‐MATLAB fuzzy logic control
Simplex 
Simplex 1–3 
1.966–3.097 
1.966–3.097 0.013–0.047 
0.0087–0.5247 
0.0087–0.5247 73.3385 
483.79171 
483.79171
PSCAD-MATLAB fuzzy
PSCAD‐MATLAB fuzzy logic controllogic control 1–3 1–3 0.013–0.047
0.013–0.047  73.3385
73.3385 
In Table 2, the objective function evaluated for the fuzzy logic controller is lower than the other 
methods. This proves that that fuzzy‐logic‐based PI controller is efficient. In addition, the controller’s 
In In Table 2, the objective function evaluated for the fuzzy logic controller is lower than the other 
Table 2, the objective function evaluated for the fuzzy logic controller is lower than the other
capability to dispatch SOFC power (P FC) matching its reference value (P
methods. This proves that that fuzzy-logic-based PI controller is efficient. ) can be seen in Figure 12. 
methods. This proves that that fuzzy‐logic‐based PI controller is efficient. In addition, the controller’s 
FCrefIn addition, the controller’s
capability to dispatch SOFC power (P
capability to dispatch SOFC power (PFCFC)) matching its reference value (P
matching its reference value (PFCref FCref) can be seen in Figure 12. 
) can be seen in Figure 12.
0.11
0.11 PFC obtained using fuzzy based PI control
0.1 PFC obtained using optimal operation of simplex
PFC obtained using fuzzy based PI control
0.1 PFC obtained using optimal operation of GA
0.09 PFC obtained using optimal operation of simplex
PFCref
PFC obtained using optimal operation of GA
0.09
0.08 PFCref
in MW

0.08
0.07
in MW

0.07
0.06
Power

0.06
0.05
Power

0.05
0.04
0.04
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.01
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Time in12hours
0.01
9 10 11  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Time in hours  
Figure 12. Comparison of SOFC power dispatch (PFC) matching the reference (PFCref) for the controllers. 
Figure 12. Comparison of SOFC power dispatch (P
Figure 12. Comparison of SOFC power dispatch (PFC FC)) matching the reference (P
matching the reference (PFCref
FCref) for the controllers. 
) for the controllers.
The SOFC reference set point (PFCref) is dependent on the change in load and PV generation. With 
reference to Figure 12, it can be seen that during the early morning hours when the PV power is zero, 
The SOFC reference set point (PFCref) is dependent on the change in load and PV generation. With 
The SOFC reference set point (PFCref ) is dependent on the change in load and PV generation.
the  fuzzy‐based  PI  controller  efficiently  controls  its  power  supply  to  the  reference  value  for  load 
reference to Figure 12, it can be seen that during the early morning hours when the PV power is zero, 
With reference to Figure 12, it can be seen that during the early morning hours when the PV power is
the  fuzzy‐based  PI  controller  efficiently  controls  its  power  supply  to  the  reference  value  for  load 
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 14 of 17
Energies 2017, 10, 1720    14 of 17 

changes. It should also be noticed in Figure 12 that the fuel cell reference changes suddenly between 
zero, the fuzzy-based PI controller efficiently controls its power supply to the reference value for load
6 a.m. to 7 a.m. due to the sudden increase in load demand from 40 kW to 54 kW, and during this 
changes. It should also be noticed in Figure 12 that the fuel cell reference changes suddenly between
time period the PV power is absent. SOFC controllers tuned by the GA, fuzzy and simplex method 
6 a.m. to 7 a.m. due to the sudden increase in load demand from 40 kW to 54 kW, and during this time
were capable of following the SOFC reference set point for the sudden load increase. Between 8 a.m. 
period the PV power is absent. SOFC controllers tuned by the GA, fuzzy and simplex method were
and 7 p.m. the fuel cell reference is regulated to 20 kW for two reasons (i) during this period PV power 
capable of following the SOFC reference set point for the sudden load increase. Between 8 a.m. and
is available, and is more than sufficient to supply the varying load demand; and (ii) the fuel cell has 
7 p.m. the fuel cell reference is regulated to 20 kW for two reasons (i) during this period PV power
isto operate within its specific power limit. Between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. the P
available, and is more than sufficient to supply the varying load demand;FCref  is regulated to 20 kW, 
and (ii) the fuel cell has
where the fuzzy controller follows the reference line exactly, but the controllers based on the GA and 
to operate within its specific power limit. Between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. the PFCref is regulated to 20 kW,
simplex method take time to settle at the reference value. Further, the fuzzy‐based PI controller is 
where the fuzzy controller follows the reference line exactly, but the controllers based on the GA and
more efficient after 7 p.m. that is, after sunset. After sunset, the load demand is taken care of by the 
simplex method take time to settle at the reference value. Further, the fuzzy-based PI controller is
more efficientfuzzy‐based 
SOFC.  The  after 7 p.m.PI that
controller 
is, afterefficiently 
sunset. After dispatches 
sunset,power  from 
the load the  SOFC 
demand to  its 
is taken reference 
care of by
value from 7 p.m., thereafter supplying the peak load at 9 p.m. On the other hand, the simplex method 
the SOFC. The fuzzy-based PI controller efficiently dispatches power from the SOFC to its reference
and GA‐based PI controller was found to be less efficient in following the reference value. The fuzzy‐
value from 7 p.m., thereafter supplying the peak load at 9 p.m. On the other hand, the simplex
logic‐based PI controller’s efficiency is tested during the absence of PV power. 
method and GA-based PI controller was found to be less efficient in following the reference value.
Figure 12 shows that the SOFC controlled by a fuzzy‐based PI controller is efficient where the 
The fuzzy-logic-based PI controller’s efficiency is tested during the absence of PV power.
fuel cell power (P ) follows the reference (P
Figure 12 shows that the SOFC controlled by
FC FCrefa). It should be noted that in all the three controller 
fuzzy-based PI controller is efficient where the fuel
types, the fuel cell is operating within its specific power range. 
cell power (PFC ) follows the reference (PFCref ). It should be noted that in all the three controller types,
the fuel cell is operating within its specific power range.
5.2. Application of Fuzzy‐Based PI Controller for Power Management System 
5.2. Application of Fuzzy-Based PI Controller for Power Management System
The  results  from  the  previous  section  confirmed  that  the  fuzzy‐based  PI  controller  for  SOFC 
active power control is more efficient. Therefore, a simulation of the power management system was 
The results from the previous section confirmed that the fuzzy-based PI controller for SOFC active
carried 
power out  using 
control is morethe  PSCAD‐Matlab 
efficient. Therefore,interface 
a simulationfor  the  fuzzy‐based 
of the PI  controller 
power management for  SOFC 
system active 
was carried
power control for the hybrid system shown in Figure 1. 
out using the PSCAD-Matlab interface for the fuzzy-based PI controller for SOFC active power control
for theLoad modeling is one of the important parts of a power system. Load varies throughout the day 
hybrid system shown in Figure 1.
and in some hours of the day the load reaches its maximum value and/or minimum value. In this 
Load modeling is one of the important parts of a power system. Load varies throughout the day
work, a variable residential load is modeled with a maximum load demand reaching up to 100 kW. 
and in some hours of the day the load reaches its maximum value and/or minimum value. In this
The daily load pattern of a residential area from [29] is used for this work. The load pattern is scaled 
work, a variable residential load is modeled with a maximum load demand reaching up to 100 kW.
up to a maximum load demand of 100 kW; see Figure 13. 
The daily load pattern of a residential area from [29] is used  for this work. The load pattern is scaled
up to aThe simulation results for the power management strategy are shown in Figure 14. Figure 14a 
maximum load demand of 100 kW; see Figure 13.
describes  overall  operating 
The simulation results forstrategy 
the powerof  the  hybrid  system 
management considering 
strategy are shown changes 
in Figure in  14.
load  and  solar 
Figure 14a
radiation levels. The SOFC supplies power based on its reference value shown in Figure 12. Figure 
describes overall operating strategy of the hybrid system considering changes in load and solar
14b shows the actual power generated from hybrid system which follows the reference. 
radiation levels. The SOFC supplies power based on its reference value shown in Figure 12.  Figure 14b
shows the actual power generated from hybrid system which follows the reference.

100

80
Power in kW

60

40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Time in hours
 
Figure 13. Daily load profile. 
Figure 13. Daily load profile.

From Figure 14a it is clear that the power from t
From SOFC is well managed during the presence 
Figure 14a it is clear that the power from thehe SOFC is well managed during the presence
and absence of PV power. When PV power is zero in the early morning hours and after sunset in the 
and absence of PV power. When PV power is zero in the early morning hours and after sunset in
evening, any change in the load is supplied by the SOFC. Since PV power is available during the day, 
the evening, any change in the load is supplied by the SOFC. Since PV power is available during
it supplies the required power needed by the load. During the day, the excess power generated from 
the hybrid system is injected into the grid, where the power injection into the grid is indicated in the 
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 15 of 17

the day, it supplies the

Energies 2017, 10, 1720    required power needed by the load. During the day, the excess power generated
15 of 17 
from the hybrid system is injected into the grid, where the power injection into the grid is indicated
negative in Figure 14a. If the availability of PV power is less, the power deficit required by the load 
in the negative in Figure 14a. If the availability of PV power is less, the power deficit required by
is taken care of by the SOFC. Here, the reference value for the SOFC is calculated as explained in 
the load is taken care of by the SOFC. Here, the reference value for the SOFC is calculated as explained
Section 3 and is generated by the power management module. 
in Section 3 and is generated by the power management module.
During the entire period of operation of the hybrid system, the SOFC power P
During FC changes based 
the entire period of operation of the hybrid system, the SOFC power PFC changes based on
on the reference value P
the reference value PFCref FCref  generated by the power management module, at the same time the PV 
generated by the power management module, at the same time the PV array
array operates at the maximum power point. In addition, the power imported from the grid is almost 
operates at the maximum power point. In addition, the power imported from the grid is almost zero,
zero, which can be established from Figure 14a, where the grid power is zero or negative during the 
which can be established from Figure 14a, where the grid power is zero or negative during the entire
entire operating time. From Figure 12 it is clear that the SOFC is operating within its operating range 
operating time. From Figure 12 it is clear that the SOFC is operating within its operating range of
of 20 kW to 100 kW. With reference to these results, it is clear that the operating strategy is simple 
20 kW to 100 kW. With reference to these results, it is clear that the operating strategy is simple and
and that the fuzzy‐based PI controller for SOFC active power control is more efficient. 
that the fuzzy-based PI controller for SOFC active power control is more efficient.  
It should also be noted that apart from the fuel cell, the proposed fuzzy based PI control can be 
It should also be noted that apart from the fuel cell, the proposed fuzzy based PI control can be
applied to any electronically‐interfaced controllable distributed energy source, such as battery energy 
applied to any electronically-interfaced controllable distributed energy source, such as battery energy
systems or capacitors. 
systems or capacitors.  

0.2
0.18 PFC
0.16 PGrid
0.14 PLoad
0.12 PPV
0.1
0.08
Power in MW

0.06
0.04
0.02
0
-0.02
-0.04
-0.06
-0.08
-0.1
-0.12
-0.14
-0.16
-0.18
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Time in hours  
(a)
0.22
0.2 PHybref
PHyb
0.18

0.16
Power in MW

0.14
0.12

0.1
0.08
0.06

0.04
0.02
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Time in hours  
(b)
Figure 14. Simulation results of the power management system. (a) Overall system operating strategy; 
Figure 14. Simulation results of the power management system. (a) Overall system operating strategy;
(b) Hybrid system reference and actual value. 
(b) Hybrid system reference and actual value.

6. Conclusions and Future Work 
In  this  study,  a  power  management  strategy  for  a  grid‐connected  hybrid  PV‐SOFC  system 
supplying power at varying loads is presented. The optimal control parameters of the PI controller 
used in SOFC active power control were found using the GA and simplex method. In addition, a 
Energies 2017, 10, 1720 16 of 17

6. Conclusions and Future Work

In this study, a power management strategy for a grid-connected hybrid PV-SOFC system
supplying power at varying loads is presented. The optimal control parameters of the PI controller
used in SOFC active power control were found using the GA and simplex method. In addition,
a PSCAD-Matlab interface fuzzy-based PI controller was also designed to generate the optimal control
parameters for changing input.
A comparison between the three methods was performed where the GA and simplex method
SOFC active power controllers were found to be less efficient. The fuzzy-logic-based controller
ensured that the output power from the SOFC followed the reference value accurately. Using this
power management strategy, the following objectives were achieved: (i) the SOFC always operates
within a specific power range; and (ii) the power drawn from the grid is zero at all times. Operating
the SOFC within its specific operating range increases the efficiency of the fuel cell and also enhances
the performance of the system. The hybrid system can increase its generation when the load is heavy
and decrease its generation when the load is light. In brief, the grid-connected hybrid system works
flexibly with this operating strategy. For further consideration, the proposed fuzzy logic will be
implemented for (i) effective real power control of a battery bank; and (ii) voltage and reactive power
control of controllable DGs.

Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (HIR-MOHED000004-16001).
Author Contributions: Hazlie Moklis and Saad Mekhilef conceived and designed the experiments; Shivashankar
Sukumar performed the experiments; Marayati Marsadek and Agileswari Ramasamy analyzed the data;
Shivashankar Sukumar wrote the paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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