Microprocessor Control System for Output Power Optimization of a Wind Turbine

Another paper (1) presented at this INTELEC Conference describes a hybrid power plant for remote sites, ERICSSON SUNWIND, consisting of solar, wind and minidiesel power sources. This power plant includes a microprocessor-based control system for output power optimization of the wind turbine; - this deserves a separate description. The wind turbine used in ERICSSON SUNWIND is a combined Darrieus-Savonius type, in which the Darrieus turbine produces most of the energy, whereas Savonius rotor supplies a starting torque. The particular requirements and difficulties connected with the output power control of a Darrieus turbine are presented and analysed. In order to meet these requirements an adaptive control system based on microcomputer techniques has been developed. This paper describes the principle of operation, the hardware and the software of the control system. An illustration of the practical operation in a test plant is also given.