Modelling and adaptive control of a wind turbine for smart grid applications

In smart electrical grids, wind turbines with variable speed are the most attractive choice for high penetration level of wind energy due to their high operation flexibility. Wind turbines are the core component of the wind energy conversion. In this paper, the objectives are to build a realistic wind turbine model for smart grid analysis and simulations, and propose wind power adaptive control algorithms with a mixed criterion of energy maximization and fatigue load minimization during partial and full load regimes. The modelling approach considers wind aerodynamics and tower dynamics. The generator torque set points are calculated based on the wind turbine design values and rotor speed. The blade pitch angle set point is calculated using a proportional feedback control loop during partial load conditions, and a proportional differential control loop during full load conditions. The wind speed is also modelled considering wind turbulence, tower shadow and wind shear. Models and controllers are built in MATLAB Simulink, and simulations are performed using a realistic data of a typical wind turbine. The simulation results show that the proposed models and controllers accurately simulate the expected performance.