Maximum Power Point Tracking of Variable Speed Wind Turbines With Flexible Shaft

Optimum torque (OT)-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is widely used in high power turbines because of its simplicity. Several recent improvements claim better response speeds by augmenting the basic OT algorithm with a suitably scaled inertial torque. However, the underlying dynamic model for all these improved methods is premised on a rigid shaft, which ignores all torsional behavior. This lacuna is addressed in this paper, where a small-signal system description is developed considering a more accurate flexible shaft model. It is shown that the improvements have three possible forms, the third being proposed in this paper. Close-loop stability with each of these is analytically investigated using this accurate small-signal model. It is also proved that one of the reported approaches causes system instability while attempting even moderate improvement over the OT method. The problems in realization of the other two forms are highlighted and a realizable alternative proposed, which requires no additional sensor. Design of the proposed approach is presented in appropriate detail. It is analytically established that the proposed method ensures superior dynamic response. All analytical conclusions are validated by numerical simulations.