Pitch Angle Control of a Wind Turbine for Maximizing Power Transfer Capability Using Adaptive Model Predictive Control

Abstract

Nowadays, wind energy has emerged as a critical renewable source of energy because of its sustainability and scalability. However, the inherent variability of wind speed presents challenges to the power transmission capacity of the turbines. These variations can be characterized by sudden and unpredictable changes in wind speeds. Wind turbines face dynamic operating conditions and a non-linear connection between wind speed and output power; this too diminishes efficiency and transmission capacity, especially during volatile wind conditions. To solve these problems, it requires designing a controller for pitch angle. By modifying the angle of the turbine blades, the pitch angle controller can regulate the output power and improve the transmission capacity of the turbines. In order to optimize power transfer capacity and enhance system performance, this thesis designed PID controllers, model predictive controllers, and an adaptive model predictive controller (MPC). To support this control strategy, a thorough mathematical model was developed that includes every component of the wind turbine system, with the aim of studying how the pitch angle is regulated. MATLAB/Simulink software was applied to build the entire analysis, modeling, and simulation. The outcomes of the simulation indicate that the highest pitch angle for MPC is 0.785 radians, and the adaptive MPC is 0.76 radians. To optimize the generator speed and turbine’s power extraction, the pitch angle must be adjusted as wind speeds drop between rated and cut-in values. This ensures maximum efficiency and energy extraction from the wind, while maintaining the pitch angle at 0 radians ensures maximum power extraction after wind speeds exceed the optimal value. The rotor speed settling time of PID is 4.712 sec; MPC is 4.601 sec; and adaptive MPC is 4.523 sec. The rise time of PID is 2.875 sec; MPC is 2.783 sec; and adaptive MPC is 2.675 sec. With PID, the maximum overshoot generator power output is 1.511 MW; this implies 0.733% above the rated speed. For MPC, the maximum generator power output overshoot is 1.5053, which implies 0.353% above the rated speed; and for adaptive MPC, the maximum power overshoot is 15023, which implies 0.153% above the rated wind speed. The simulation’s outcomes research validates that the adaptive MPC controller performs well in both dynamic and steady-state conditions while monitoring maximum power.