This paper proposes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for small-scale wind energy conversion systems. The proposed algorithm uses the dc current as the perturbing variable. The algorithm detects sudden wind speed changes indirectly through the dc-link voltage slope. The voltage slope is also used to enhance the tracking speed of the algorithm and to prevent the generator from stalling under rapid wind speed slowdown conditions. The proposed method uses two modes of operation: A perturb and observe (P&O) mode with adaptive step size under slow wind speed fluctuation conditions, and a prediction mode employed under fast wind speed change conditions. The dc-link capacitor voltage slope reflects the acceleration information of the generator, which is then used to predict the next step size and direction of the current command. The proposed algorithm shows enhanced stability and fast tracking capability under both high and low rate of change wind speed conditions and is verified using a 1.5 kW prototype hardware setup.