A Simple Structure Passive MPPT Standalone Wind Turbine Generator System

Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods for standalone wind turbine generator systems (SWTGSs) rely on a dc/dc converter or some other electrical control device. However, the electronic components contained in the electrical control device are likely to break down when exposed to extreme weathers, thereby resulting in the low reliability of SWTGS for outdoor use. To overcome this drawback, this paper proposes a simple structure passive MPPT SWTGS that can track the MPPs automatically without the use of a dc/dc converter or any other electrical control device. Thus, the proposed system is highly reliable for outdoor use. Moreover, the novel permanent magnet synchronous generator contained in the proposed system has a very simple structure. Therefore, the proposed system is easy to manufacture, and thus presents a practical solution. This paper explains the passive MPPT process, and analyzes the operating principle of the proposed system. A prototype is manufactured, and its MPPT performance is confirmed by experimental results.