Maximum Power Point Tracking of a Photovoltaic System Using Terminal Sliding mode Controller with a DC to DC Boost Converter

Abstract

One essential thing for every photovoltaic generation system, is a maximum power point tracker, in order for the PV system to work properly and give maximum electric energy available. In this manuscript, a PV array supplying a DC load through a DC-to-DC boost converter, controlled by a robust terminal sliding mode MPP controller, is mathematically modeled and numerically simulated in MATLAB environment. To show the robustness and confirm finite time convergence of the TSMC controller the simulations were built upon two weather scenarios, standard test conditions and abrupt changes in temperature and sun radiation. The comparison with integral and conventional sliding modes showed the reliability of the terminal SMC in tracking the MPP in a finite time and effectively, furthermore these results were confirmed through a quantitative evaluation of performance based on the numerical simulations.