Sensorless control for small wind turbines with permanent magnet synchronous generator

This paper presents a robust sensorless control system for variable-speed, fixed-pitch wind turbines with direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator. It covers both the partial-load and full-load operating regimes. In partial-load, the aim of the control action is to maximize the harvested energy form the wind while keeping the wind turbine stable. In full-load operation mode, a second controller limits the output power to its rated value by creating the conditions for aerodynamic stall. The effectiveness of the proposed control system is assessed with a 2.2kW laboratory test-bench under several operating conditions.