Online dynamic conductance estimation based maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic generators

•Maximum power point tracking method based on photovoltaic generator dynamic resistance online estimation method is proposed.•A variables transformation allows formulating the maximum power point tracking challenge as classical regulation problem.•The method allows simultaneous robust voltage control and maximum power point tracking of renewable energy generators. In this paper, a novel method of maximum power point tracking of renewable energy generators is proposed, utilizing the sum of dynamic and static conductance as maximum power point tracking loop variable. This allows to formulate the maximum power point tracking problem as a typical closed-loop stabilization task of non-linear static plant with zero reference. Consequently, a simple integrative controller is shown to be sufficient to ensure zero steady-state maximum power point tracking error with easily determinable nominal dynamics. A recently revealed method of online photovoltaic generator dynamic conductance estimation allowing robust terminal voltage control is utilized. Moreover, it is revealed that the resulting maximum power point tracking loop plant is piecewise linear around the maximum power point, i.e. for given environmental conditions two different convergence rates are expected, depending on the relative value of operating voltage to maximum power point voltage. Presented analytical outcomes are verified by application of the proposed maximum power point tracking structure to a grid-connected photovoltaic generator system under robust voltage control.