DC-DC converter current measurement by using FET on-state resistance for low-cost Maximum Power Point Tracking

This paper proposes a novel current measurement method for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control of thermoelectric power generation. This paper presents the possibility to use the MOS-FET as the current measuring resistance, instead of conventional measuring methods, such as the DC-CT or the shunt resistance. Former is high cost and latter causes energy loss. The reduction of components is also desirable for reduction of the cost and increase of reliability. So the authors propose to use the MOS-FET switching device installed in the dc-dc converter circuit as the current measuring resistance. Experimental results of proposed measurement method show the good feasibility of current measurement and good performance in MPPT control using hill-climb (perturbation) method.