Tuning of model predictive controller for wind turbine load reduction

Classical objective of wind turbine control is to maximize the power extracted from wind. However, with the increase in wind turbine size the structural loads become a limiting factor for safe wind turbine operation and wind turbine operating life. In this paper we investigate the design of a model predictive controller that reduces wind turbine loads at the expense of wind turbine power variability. By appropriate tuning of the model predictive controller we show that the trade-off between load reduction and power variations is favorable.