Maximum power point tracker using an intelligent sliding mode controller of a photovoltaic system

Abstract

<span lang="EN-US">The operating performance of a PV module/array is extremely reliant on the weather (temperature/irradiation) and non-linear. Thus, to ensure that the PV array produces the maximum possible power at any time and regardless of the external conditions, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are required. The solution suggested in this paper involves taking into account two cascaded controllers as follows; the incremental conductance (INC) controller, which is intended to provide a reference proportional to the PV array's optimal power P<sub>MPP</sub>, and the sliding mode control (SMC), which is in charge of controlling the GPV voltage. The strategy of the SMC is to design a sliding surface that defines the operating point. The SMC combined with the INC aims to achieve fast MPPT action on PV systems using cascade control. The proposed controller is robust to changing weather conditions. In order to evaluate what is done, the results are compared with the INC+PI controller. When an abrupt change occurs, the SMC has a low transient and arrives to equilibrium sooner than the INC+PI controller. the results are presented by the PSIM software, and demonstrate the SMC controller's performance while confirming that the new approach has increased both production and energy efficiency.</span>

A comparative assessment of popular tracking algorithms used in standalone photovoltaic systems

“…Researchers have created algorithms for quick tracking and maximum power point (MPP) finding using various methods ranging from perturb and observe (P&O) [5]- [7], fractional-short circuit (FSC) [8], [9], hill climbing [10]- [12], incremental conductance (IC) [13]- [15] fractional open circuit voltage (FOCV) [16], [17], and sliding mode control [18], [19]. Power loss and the necessary hardware for sensing and Int J Pow Elec & Dri Syst ISSN: 2088-8694  applying these algorithms prohibit their widespread usage for power tracking.…”