Robust Observer-Based Sliding Mode Control for Maximum Power Point Tracking

This paper presents a new observer-based maximum power point tracking technique (MPPT) for the solar panel system. Apart from fulfilling the main objective of MPPT, it is designed to accomplish the task without having the measure solar panel output voltage and with a chatter-free control. The proposed control strategy employs a disturbance observer to do away with the need to sense solar panel output voltage and also to ensure insensitivity of uncertainties. A special state observer enables operating the system even when the converter output voltage is initially zero. The performance of the algorithm is assessed for robustness towards the parasitics and uncertainties. The scheme is validated by simulation as well as experimentation in the laboratory.