Real-time reduced order model based adaptive pitch controller for grid connected wind turbines

Abstract

In this paper a real-time reduced order model based adaptive pitch controller for grid connected wind turbines is proposed. First, a reduced grid model is generated online considering the power grid as an external area. This model is then used to derive the speed reference for the proposed pitch controller. Then an adaptive controller is designed that uses the difference of speed of the generator and the reference speed to limit the speed and aerodynamic power at the rated values of the wind turbine during high wind speed conditions. The advantage of the proposed reduced order model based pitch-control architecture is that the method minimizes the damage caused by mechanical fatigue of the wind turbine and at the same time ensures that the grid voltage and power is stable and balanced. The architecture is tested on a grid integrated wind turbine model. Then an experimental set up using real-time digital simulator (RTDS) is used to further evaluate the methodology.