Sliding mode control of photovoltaic based power generation systems for microgrid applications

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy sources are rapidly becoming more popular. The PV system output power relies on the applied current or voltage nonlinearity and there exist a unique point called the maximum power point (MPP). For effective energy extraction from the PV system, this paper presents a new controller design strategy to track the MPP of a PV system using a sliding mode control method of self-optimisation. The proposed controller design offers fast and accurate convergence to the MPP in steady state and during varying environmental conditions. A DC/DC boost converter is utilised as a control actuator for the MPP tracking using PWM control. Simulation and experimental results are provided to demonstrate the validity of the proposed controller design.