Sensorless Estimation of PV Panel States Using an Extended State Observer Based on Extremum Seeking Control During the MPPT Applications

ABSTRACT

Accurate knowledge of current and voltage is essentially required to extract maximum power from a photovoltaic module and thereafter to control the associated DC–DC boost converter. Classic approaches rely on gaining physical sensors, which increases the cost and also sensitivity to noise. This paper presents a sensorless estimation method based on a proportional–integral extremum seeking control extended state observer (PIESC‐ESO). The proposed observer reconstructs the PV current, voltage and the inductor current of the boost converter, using only the load‐side voltage as a measured signal. The PIESC‐ESO dynamically adjusts the observer gains through ESC to minimize estimation error under environmental conditions changes. These estimated states are then used in a conventional perturb and observe algorithm to track the maximum power point. This approach reduces sensor dependency, improves power point tracker (MPPT) reliability and enhances system performance by reducing the noise effects, cost and sensor faults. Simulations in MATLAB on the YL10C‐18b PV module validate the proposed observer under three scenarios: first: irradiance step variations including 50% drop and restoration, second: the presence of noise in irradiance and temperature, third: the presence of quantization error and output measurement noise. Results demonstrate accurate state estimation and robust MPPT performance under all tested conditions.