Optimal gain-scheduled control of fixed-speed active stall wind turbines

For a smooth integration of large wind farms into the utility grids, the individual wind turbines must be able to achieve various power control objectives. In this context, the authors focus their attention on the control of fixed-speed active stall wind turbines. This sort of turbine includes a pitch servomechanism to induce stall on the blades, thereby having control on the output power. The authors develop a methodology to design optimal gain-scheduled pitch controllers valid for the whole operating region of the wind turbine. The proposed solution uses concepts of linear parameter-varying system theory. In addition to providing a formal framework for the control design, this theory guarantees stability and performance. Further, because of the similarities with H_infin control, the tools developed for the controller design are very familiar to the control community. The main features of the proposed controller are assessed by means of numerical simulations obtained for realistic wind speed profiles and power production demands.