Maximum power point estimation and tracking using power converter input resistance control

•MPP identification of a PV module is presented utilizing the Lambert W-Function.•Boost converter operating point control is presented for input resistance control.•Resistive behavior of boost converter is utilized to track the MPP of a PV module.•The performance of the controller has been verified in terms of accuracy and speed.

In this paper, the idea of controlling the input resistance of a switching power converter is proposed to track the maximum power point of a photovoltaic (PV) module. To this end, an inversion-based control technique is presented based on the nonlinear input resistance model of a boost converter operating in the discontinuous conduction mode. A method is also presented to estimate the resistance of the PV module at the maximum power point by means of the Lambert W-Function. Furthermore, the resistance information is utilized to control the input resistance of the converter for achieving maximum power transfer. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the PV system, working under the proposed controller, can successfully track different maximum power points under rapidly changing irradiance and load conditions.