Adaptive power tracking control based on dynamic sensor estimation for energy conversion systems

Current operations of variable speed wind turbines (VSWT) mostly rely on the assumption that effective wind speed acting on turbine blades is accurately measurable via sensors (anemometers). However, accurate measurement of the wind speed is hardly available in practice due to its dynamic nature both in space and time domain. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to estimate the effective wind speed by using high-gain observer and Inexact Newton Backtracking (INB) Method. Subsequently, a nonlinear adaptive tracking controller is designed to perform optimal output power tracking by generating a desired trajectory with the help of the effective wind speed estimate. Furthermore, chattering is eliminated in the torque signal to mitigate mechanical stress. Validation has been carried out on a 1.5-MW three-blade horizontal axis and up wind variable-speed wind turbine. Simulation results demonstrate satisfactory dynamic performance and stability of the entire system.