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Advances in Wind Energy Control

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A3: Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (27 September 2023) | Viewed by 18607

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Wind Energy and Control Centre, Electronic & Electrical Engineering Department, University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
Interests: holistic wind farm control; generator control; power electronic control; digital control; wind power intergration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Wind Energy and Control Centre, Electronic & Electrical Engineering department, University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
Interests: Modelling, control and optimisation of complex systems with applications to wind and power systems; process engineering, and biochemical networks.

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Control systems are a crucial part in all aspects of wind energy generation. Ranging from power electronic converters, wind turbine control, up to farm-level control, from onshore to offshore wind, and integration of wind energy into power systems, the footprint of control systems is evident and in constant improvement.

As the number of wind energy systems increase and diversify worldwide, application of control systems has been used to improve stability, efficiency, adaptability, and lifetime of those systems. Furthermore, modern concepts of wind turbines, such as floating structure, aeroelastic blades, airborne wind, and multi-rotor systems depend on suitable control architectures and design to provide safe and efficient energy output.

Furthermore, the massive penetration of wind energy in power systems brings new challenges regarding complex behaviour of wind power plants and its transmission systems. Nowadays, it expected that large offshore and onshore wind farms become virtual generation plants that behave in a similar way to conventional generation. To achieve this, new farm-level controllers are required to balance the power generation, maintenance, and operation, but also to provide ancillary services to the grid, such as curtailment, frequency support, and voltage regulation.

Considering the importance of control in the progression of wind energy systems, a Special Issue of Energies has been planned to highlight the novel advances in control of wind energy systems. The scope of this Special Issue includes but is not limited to:

  • Power electronic control for wind energy
    • Energy conversion
    • Wind power integration (HVDC, VSM)
    • Fault tolerant control systems
  • Modelling and control of wind turbine and wind farm systems
    • Fixed and floating structures wind turbines
    • Wind farm control systems
    • LIDAR-based wind turbine/farm control
  • Control system for wind energy with novel concepts
    • Multi-rotor wind turbine control
    • Airborne wind turbine control
    • Aeroelastic tailoring blade wind turbine control.
  • Other new developments in of control of wind energy devices
We would like to invite scientists and engineers working in the field of wind energy control to actively participate in this Special Issue and submit papers describing innovative concepts, solutions, and results on control systems applied to wind energy.

Dr. David Campos-Gaona
Dr. Hong Yue
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Converter Control for Wind Generators
  • Fixed Structure Wind Turbine Controllers
  • Floating Structure Wind Turbine Controllers
  • Wind Farm Controllers
  • Wind Power Integration
  • Offshore HVDC control
  • Multi-rotor Wind Turbine Control
  • Airborne Wind Turbine Control
  • LIDAR-based Control
  • Wind Turbine Modelling and control
  • Control and optimization
  • Wind turbine controller
  • Fault tolerant control
  • Aeroelastic tailoring blade

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 5116 KiB  
Communication
A Study of a Gain-Scheduled Individual Pitch Controller for an NREL 5 MW Wind Turbine
by Chae-Wook Lim
Energies 2024, 17(1), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010246 - 3 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1036
Abstract
In order to reduce the asymmetric load acting on the blades of MW-class wind turbines, it is necessary to apply an individual pitch controller that independently adjusts the pitch angles of the three blades. This paper takes a new look at the relationship [...] Read more.
In order to reduce the asymmetric load acting on the blades of MW-class wind turbines, it is necessary to apply an individual pitch controller that independently adjusts the pitch angles of the three blades. This paper takes a new look at the relationship between the individual pitch controller applied to MW-class wind turbines and the vibration mode of the blades. The purpose of this study is to propose a method in which the individual pitch controller further reduces the 1P component of the bending moment in the out-of-plane direction acting on the blade, without exciting the in-plane vibration mode of the blade within the entire wind speed range, from the rated wind speed to the cut-out wind speed. To this end, a problem related to the excitation of the blade’s vibration mode that may occur when applying the individual pitch controller to an NREL 5 MW wind turbine is examined, and a method that uses gain scheduling to overcome this problem is presented. It is confirmed that it is possible to solve the problem of exciting the first-order vibration mode in the in-plane direction of the blade that can occur in the high wind speed range by applying the proposed gain scheduling method to the individual pitch controller aimed at reducing the 1P component of the out-of-plane bending moment of the blade. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wind Energy Control)
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17 pages, 16287 KiB  
Article
Potential of Offshore Wind Energy in Malaysia: An Investigation into Wind and Bathymetry Conditions and Site Selection
by Mingxin Li, James Carroll, Ahmad Sukri Ahmad, Nor Shahida Hasan, M. Zaid B. Zolkiffly, Gboyega Bishop Falope and Khalik Mohamad Sabil
Energies 2024, 17(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010065 - 21 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3461
Abstract
The government has set an ambitious target of renewable energy development in Malaysia. As a promising renewable energy source, wind energy plays an important role in the Malaysia renewable energy roadmap. Compared to onshore wind energy, offshore wind resources with better quality can [...] Read more.
The government has set an ambitious target of renewable energy development in Malaysia. As a promising renewable energy source, wind energy plays an important role in the Malaysia renewable energy roadmap. Compared to onshore wind energy, offshore wind resources with better quality can be provided in the areas away from the coast, which has greater potential to contribute to electricity generation. Wind and bathymetry conditions are two important factors that determine the feasibility and economics of offshore wind turbines. In this paper, an investigation is conducted on wind and bathymetry conditions around Malaysia. The data source mainly originates from the Global Wind Atlas. The conditions of the coastal areas in different states and federal territories of both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia are analysed, with a specific focus on wind speed, wind energy density, and bathymetry conditions in high-wind-speed regions. The data and survey are verified and compared with the past published literature. This paper aims to investigate the wind and bathymetry conditions around Malaysia, assess the potential of offshore wind energy, discuss the feasibility of offshore wind turbines, and provide references for offshore wind development in Malaysia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wind Energy Control)
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20 pages, 4452 KiB  
Article
A Review: Existing Methods for Solving Spatial Planning Problems for Wind Turbines in Poland
by Artur Amsharuk and Grażyna Łaska
Energies 2022, 15(23), 8957; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238957 - 27 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2189
Abstract
The article presents the most commonly used multi-criteria analysis methods for choosing the optimal location for future wind parks. The article makes a comparison of the criteria and restrictions of localisation and an overview of the main legal constraints and prospects in the [...] Read more.
The article presents the most commonly used multi-criteria analysis methods for choosing the optimal location for future wind parks. The article makes a comparison of the criteria and restrictions of localisation and an overview of the main legal constraints and prospects in the development of renewable energy sources (RES). Financial assistance from the EU to accelerate the achievement of the required indicators was described. Moreover, restrictions considering environmental, social and noise factors that affect the life of the local population and the perception of the landscape visually are important. Additionally, it includes an option for developing wind energy in the absence of the necessary space for construction. In a new approach for the location of the wind farm, to the investors and another researcher related to the topic of wind turbine foundations, we indicate the most important aspects of wind energy control that should be taken into account in wind farm location proceedings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wind Energy Control)
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19 pages, 12546 KiB  
Article
Design and Assessment of a LIDAR-Based Model Predictive Wind Turbine Control
by Jie Bao and Hong Yue
Energies 2022, 15(17), 6429; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15176429 - 2 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1766
Abstract
The development of the Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology has enabled wider options for wind turbine control, in particular regarding disturbance rejection. The LIDAR measurements provide a spatial, preview wind information, based on which the controller has a better chance to cope [...] Read more.
The development of the Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology has enabled wider options for wind turbine control, in particular regarding disturbance rejection. The LIDAR measurements provide a spatial, preview wind information, based on which the controller has a better chance to cope with the wind disturbance before it affects the turbine operation. In this paper, a model predictive controller for above-rated wind turbine control was developed with the use of pseudo-LIDAR wind measurements data. A predictive control algorithm was developed based on a linearised wind turbine model, in which the disturbance from the incoming wind was computed by the LIDAR simulator. The optimal control action was applied to the nonlinear turbine model. The developed controller was compared with the baseline control and a previously developed LIDAR-assisted control combining a feedback-and-feedforward design. Our simulation studies on a 5 MW nonlinear wind turbine model, under different wind conditions, demonstrated that the developed LIDAR-based predictive control achieved improved performance in the presence of small variations in the out-of-plane rotor torque and fore-aft tower acceleration, as well as a smoother generator speed regulation and satisfied pitch activity control constraints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wind Energy Control)
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27 pages, 7311 KiB  
Article
Power and Flow Analysis of Axial Induction Control in an Array of Model-Scale Wind Turbines
by Daniel Houck and Edwin A. Cowen
Energies 2022, 15(15), 5347; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155347 - 23 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1424
Abstract
As research on wind energy has progressed, it has broadened from a focus on the wind turbine to include the entire wind farm. In particular, methods to mitigate the negative effects of upstream wakes on downstream turbines have received significant attention. One such [...] Read more.
As research on wind energy has progressed, it has broadened from a focus on the wind turbine to include the entire wind farm. In particular, methods to mitigate the negative effects of upstream wakes on downstream turbines have received significant attention. One such mitigation method is axial induction control (AIC) in which upstream turbines are derated to reduce the momentum deficits in their wakes, leaving higher speed flow for downstream turbines. If performed correctly, it is theorized that the power production gains in downstream turbines can compensate for the power sacrificed by derating upstream turbines. Previous work has indicated that the “excess” energy left in the wake of the derated turbine is along the edges of the wake such that a turbine placed directly downstream will see little to no increase in power. To address this hypothesis, we performed a control and treatment experiment with model-scale turbines in a wide flume. Five turbines were arranged in three successive streamwise rows, with the first two rows consisting of two aligned turbines, while three turbines with small transverse spacing were placed in the third row, the central of which was also streamwise-aligned with the upstream two turbines. This arrangement was used to evaluate the difference in power production primarily among the turbines in the third row when the upstream turbines were derated. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to measure the wake in the streamwise-vertical planes along the centerline of the array and along the rotor tips of the centerline turbines between all rows, and high accuracy power measurements were recorded from each turbine. The results show that the total power of the array was decreased while implementing AIC but that individual turbine performance differed from predictions. PIV results show that mean kinetic energy (MKE) is redistributed to the edges of the wakes as has been previously hypothesized. We provide an analysis of the results that connects both the power and flow measurements and that highlights several of the aspects of wind turbine wake flows that make them so complex and challenging to study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wind Energy Control)
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17 pages, 21151 KiB  
Article
Reference Model Adaptive Control Scheme on PMVG-Based WECS for MPPT under a Real Wind Speed
by Anto Anbarasu Yesudhas, Young Hoon Joo and Seong Ryong Lee
Energies 2022, 15(9), 3091; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093091 - 23 Apr 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2351
Abstract
Over the last few years, improving power extraction from the wind energy conversion system (WECS) under varying wind speeds has become a complex task. The current study presents the optimum maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control approach integrated with neural network (NN)-based rotor [...] Read more.
Over the last few years, improving power extraction from the wind energy conversion system (WECS) under varying wind speeds has become a complex task. The current study presents the optimum maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control approach integrated with neural network (NN)-based rotor speed control and pitch angle control to extract the maximum power from the WECS. So, this study presents a reference model adaptive control (RMAC) for a direct-drive (DD) permanent magnet vernier generator (PMVG)-based WECS under real wind speed conditions. Initially, the RMAC-based rotor speed tracking control is presented with adaptive terms, which tracks a reference model that guarantees the expected exponential decay of rotor speed error trajectory. Then, to reduce the wind speed measurement errors, a recurrent neural network (RNN)-based training model is presented. Moreover, the asymptotic stability of the proposed control method is mathematically proven by Lyapunov theory. In addition, the pitch angle control is presented to efficiently operate the rotor speed within the allowable operating range. Eventually, the proposed control system demonstrates its effectiveness through simulation and experimentation using a prototype of 5 kW DD PMVG-based WECS. After that, the comparative results affirm the superiority of the proposed control method over existing control methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wind Energy Control)
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17 pages, 24146 KiB  
Article
An Effective DC-Link Voltage Control Strategy for Grid-Connected PMVG-Based Wind Energy Conversion System
by Thirumoorthy Ramasamy, Ameerkhan Abdul Basheer, Myung-Hwan Tak, Young-Hoon Joo and Seong-Ryong Lee
Energies 2022, 15(8), 2931; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15082931 - 15 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2433
Abstract
This study presents an effective control strategy for regulating the DC-link voltage in a variable-speed direct-driven (DD) wind energy conversion system (WECS) using a permanent magnet vernier generator (PMVG). To do this, at first, the overall system is configured using back-to-back (BTB) voltage [...] Read more.
This study presents an effective control strategy for regulating the DC-link voltage in a variable-speed direct-driven (DD) wind energy conversion system (WECS) using a permanent magnet vernier generator (PMVG). To do this, at first, the overall system is configured using back-to-back (BTB) voltage source converters, and the whole system’s dynamical equations are modeled and presented. Following that, a non-linear sliding mode control strategy is introduced as the grid-side converter’s DC-link voltage controller to improve the dynamic performance of the PMVG system and achieve the stable power transfer with the grid. To accomplish this, a proportional and integral (PI)-based sliding surface is designed, and a hybrid reaching law is proposed to suppress chattering and deliver a faster response of DC-link voltage with negligible steady-state tracking error. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control strategy are validated through comparisons with existing methods using simulation and experimental results from a 5-kW PMVG system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wind Energy Control)
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22 pages, 20069 KiB  
Article
Fast Terminal Synergetic Control of PMVG-Based Wind Energy Conversion System for Enhancing the Power Extraction Efficiency
by Ganesh Mayilsamy, Balasubramani Natesan, Young Hoon Joo and Seong Ryong Lee
Energies 2022, 15(8), 2774; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15082774 - 10 Apr 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2194
Abstract
This study presents a fast terminal synergetic control (FTSC) scheme to investigate the nonlinear control problem of permanent magnet vernier generator (PMVG)-based variable-speed wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). In wind turbines, better speed tracking and fast dynamic behavior is required to achieve the [...] Read more.
This study presents a fast terminal synergetic control (FTSC) scheme to investigate the nonlinear control problem of permanent magnet vernier generator (PMVG)-based variable-speed wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). In wind turbines, better speed tracking and fast dynamic behavior is required to achieve the maximum power extraction. To do this, the FTSC method is firstly proposed to improve the dynamic performance of tracking the speedby, addressing the turbulent wind and uncertainties in the PMVG system, which improves the wind energy extraction efficiency and alleviates mechanical stress over the turbine. Next, the closed-loop FTSC with a macro variable and novel reaching law is presented to enhance the convergence of the speed error signal when it is far from equilibrium in finite time. At this time, the controller’s output is a zero chattering generator torque reference that can operate the system in both below- and above-rated wind conditions, in addition to pitch control. Then, the proposed control method is verified for its effectiveness in energy capture through numerical simulation and experimental verification of a 5 kW direct drive PMVG-based WECS. Finally, comparative results confirm the better performance of the proposed system under transients than other controllers considered in this analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wind Energy Control)
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