Title: Enhancing MPPT efficiency in wind conversion systems: comparison between PI, sliding mode control, and backstepping control

Authors: Aziz Chahbi; Mourad Yessef; Amine Amharech; Hatim Ameziane

Addresses: Science and Technology for the Engineer Laboratory (LaSTI), National School of Applied Sciences Khouribga (ENSA), Sultan Moulay Slimane University, B.P. 77, 25000 Khouribga, Morocco ' Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, LIMAS Laboratory, SMBA University, B.P. 1796 Fès-Atlas, 30003, Fez, Morocco ' Science and Technology for the Engineer Laboratory (LaSTI), National School of Applied Sciences Khouribga (ENSA), Sultan Moulay Slimane University, B.P. 77, 25000 Khouribga, Morocco ' Science and Technology for the Engineer Laboratory (LaSTI), National School of Applied Sciences Khouribga (ENSA), Sultan Moulay Slimane University, B.P. 77, 25000 Khouribga, Morocco

Abstract: A maximum power point tracker (MPPT) integrating a speed control strategy becomes more essential for maximising wind energy capture from a wind turbine, especially under fluctuating wind conditions. This paper aims to study, compare, and evaluate three different control strategies: proportional-integral (PI), sliding mode control (SMC), and backstepping control (BSC) by testing them under step and real wind speed profiles using MATLAB/Simulink software. The effectiveness of tracking the reference values of generator speed (Ω_g), tip speed ratio (λ), produced power, and power coefficient (C_p) for the three control strategies is compared in terms of response time, stability, and error indices (IAE and ISTE) against wind variations. After theoretical formulation and implementation of each control strategy, results demonstrate that the PI controller provides acceptable performance under nominal conditions, but struggles with the nonlinearities of WECS and strong disturbances. SMC effectively handles strong wind fluctuations, but suffers from chattering. While, BSC provides enhanced stability and adaptability even it requires a more complex design.

Keywords: maximum power point tracker; MPPT; wind energy; speed control; tip speed ratio; proportional-integral; PI; sliding mode control; SMC; backstepping control; BSC.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPT.2025.151027

International Journal of Powertrains, 2025 Vol.14 No.4, pp.382 - 401

Received: 16 Mar 2025
Accepted: 25 May 2025
Published online: 09 Jan 2026 *

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