Multivariable Sliding-Mode Extremum Seeking Control With Application to MPPT of an Alternator-Based Energy Conversion System

In this paper, a novel multivariable sliding-mode extremum-seeking controller (MVESC) is proposed and utilized for maximum power point tracking in an alternator-based energy conversion system. The design extends a scalar-based sliding-mode extremum-seeking controller to the multivariable case by introducing a sliding-manifold vector for multiparameter control. The behavior of the controller in terms of convergence characteristics is studied using a Lyapunov-like stability analysis. The proposed MVESC is applied to an alternator-based energy conversion system, which results in optimal power conversion at different speeds and output voltages. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed controller is compared with a multivariable gradient-based method through experimental studies. The results demonstrate that the proposed controller offers advantages in terms of speed, accuracy, and robust performance.